Thapsigargin blocks electromagnetic field-elicited intracellular Ca 2+ increase in HEK 293 cells

Authors: Federico Bertagna, Rebecca Lewis, S Ravi P Silva, Johnjoe McFadden, Kamalan Jeevaratnam

Year: 2022

Category: Cell Biology

Journal: Physiol Rep

DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15189

URL: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.14814/phy2.15189

Abstract

Overview

This study focuses on the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and how they impact cellular processes, with specific attention on calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis in HEK 293 cells.

Findings

  • Electromagnetic Fields: Exposure to both radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) and static magnetic fields (SMFs) has been shown to cause a significant increase in intracellular calcium levels.
  • Role of Thapsigargin: The increase in Ca2+ was effectively nullified by Thapsigargin, a known inhibitor targeting the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases (SERCAs) within the ER, pinpointing the crucial role of the endoplasmic reticulum in EMF-induced responses.

Conclusion

The study underscores the sensitivity of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics to electromagnetic fields and justifies further inquiries into how EMFs could influence cellular health risks through modulation of Ca2+ homeostasis.

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