Exposure of the SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells to 50-Hz Magnetic Field: Comparison Between Two-Dimensional (2D) and Three-Dimensional (3D) In Vitro Cultures

Authors: Claudia Consales, Alessio Butera, Caterina Merla, Emanuela Pasquali, Vanni Lopresto, Rosanna Pinto, Maria Pierdomenico, Mariateresa Mancuso, Carmela Marino, Barbara Benassi

Year: 2020 Nov 24

Category: Neurobiology

Journal: Mol Neurobiol

Institution: Mol Neurobiol

DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02192-x

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33230715/

Abstract

Overview

The research investigates the biological effects of 50-Hz magnetic fields on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells cultured in both two-dimensional (2D) monolayers and three-dimensional (3D) Alvetex® scaffolds.

Findings

  • Morphology, cell cycle distribution, and gene expression related to proliferation and differentiation in 3D cultures mirror those observed in 2D plates.
  • No significant changes in proliferation or apoptosis were observed in either culture system following a 72-hour exposure to the 50-Hz magnetic field.
  • Exposure did not affect key genes (Ki67, MYCN, CCDN1, Nestin) or genes controlling invasiveness and neo-angiogenesis (HIF-1α, VEGF, PDGF) or microRNA signatures (miR-21-5p, miR-222-3p, miR-133b).
  • Notable findings include impaired intracellular glutathione content and SOD1 expression specifically in 3D-culture cells, potentially indicating unique oxidative stress responses in a 3D environment.
  • ELF-MF exposure synergizes with differentiating agents to promote dopaminergic differentiation in 3D cultures, highlighting effects like growth arrest and induction of dopaminergic markers (p21, TH, DAT, and GAP43).

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the suitability of 3D cultures as a more reliable experimental model than 2D monolayers for investigating the biological impacts of electromagnetic fields on human neuroblastoma cells. Findings also advocate for the use of 3D systems in future electromagnetic field research.

neuroblastoma cells electromagnetic fields cellular response 3D culture systems redox modulators gene expression neurobiology
← Back to Stats