Terahertz (THz) radiation, situated between microwave and infrared waves in the electromagnetic spectrum, is gaining substantial interest for potential applications in medicine, security, and telecommunications. While the visible and ultraviolet ranges have been thoroughly studied, the biological effects of terahertz radiation remain less understood. This study specifically investigates the response of human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28) to THz radiation exposure at 2.3 THz.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1388198125000034
Key Findings:
Metabolomic Alterations
- Significant changes were observed in 40 metabolites, notably within the purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways.
- Alterations in lipid metabolism were identified, including impacts on ceramides and phosphatidylcholines.
Gene Network Insights
- Gene network analysis identified mitochondrial membrane proteins as crucial regulators in the biosynthesis and degradation pathways of the altered metabolites.
- Notable mitochondrial proteins included components of the respiratory chain and proton-transporting ATP synthase complexes.
Disruption of Lipid Raft Structures
- Exposure to THz radiation led to reversible disruption of lipid raft structures, crucial for mitochondrial molecule transport.
- Despite structural changes, mitochondrial protein integrity was preserved, which correlates with the observed high cell survival rates post-irradiation.
Specificity to THz Radiation
- The metabolic responses triggered by THz radiation were distinctly non-thermal and differed from responses observed under infrared (IR) radiation control conditions.
Mechanistic Insights:
THz radiation appears to interact directly with membrane microdomains, affecting mitochondrial transport mechanisms through lipid raft disruption. This non-thermal mechanism explains cellular survival despite substantial metabolic disturbances.
Clinical and Biological Implications:
- Understanding these metabolic and structural responses is crucial for assessing the potential clinical applications and safety of THz radiation.
- Insights could guide safer development of technologies utilizing THz frequencies, including medical imaging and communication technologies.
Conclusions and Future Directions:
This research enhances our understanding of the biological effects of THz radiation, highlighting the need for further studies into prolonged or cumulative exposure effects across various cell types. Future research should explore the broader biological impacts and potential therapeutic applications or risks of THz radiation, emphasizing the role of mitochondrial and membrane structures in cellular responses.