High-Frequency Terahertz Waves Regulate the Dynamics of Mitochondrial Network in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells, Induced Neuron Stem Cells and Motor Neurons

With the advent of novel Terahertz sources and devices, Terahertz application has already been implemented to a variety scenarios of life sciences. However, only a few reports focused on the biological effects of Terahertz on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) and its neuronal derivatives, namely induced neuron stem cells (iNSC), neurons, etc. We applied Terahertz radiation to hPSC, iNSC and motor neurons, and examined possible effects of Terahertz on the dynamics of mitochondrial networks. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot assay results suggested fusion and fission processes of the mitochondrial membranes were perturbed, as well as the contents of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes, of which II&V showed contrasting changes in hPSC and iNSC. In light of OXPHOS complex corresponding mRNA expression level changes, specific frequency of Terahertz may play a role in neural induction of hPSC and iNSC, providing additional clues to regenerative medicine.