Metabolomic and gene networks approaches reveal the role of mitochondrial membrane proteins in response of human melanoma cells to THz radiation

Authors: Butikova EA, Basov NV, Rogachev AD, Gaisler EV, Ivanisenko VA, Demenkov PS, Makarova AA, Ivanisenko TV, Razumov IA, Kolomeyets DA, Cheresiz SV, Solovieva OI, Larionov KP, Sotnikova YS, Patrushev YV, Kolchanov NA, Pokrovsky AG, Vinokurov NA, Kanygin VV, Popik VM, Shevchenko OA

Year: 2025 Jan 20

Category: Molecular Biology

Journal: Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2025.159595

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1388198125000034

Abstract

Overview

Terahertz (THz) radiation, propelled by recent technological advances, is under scientific scrutiny for its biological effects, which remain largely undefined. This study investigates the influence of 2.3 THz radiation on human melanoma SK-MEL-28 cells through metabolomic screening and gene network analysis.

Key Findings

  • ✔ Significant Metabolic Changes: Exposure to THz radiation caused marked alterations in forty distinct metabolites, predominantly linked to purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways.
  • ✔ Lipid Impact: Critical membrane lipids, such as ceramides and phosphatidylcholines, were notably affected by radiation exposure.
  • ✔ Gene Network Insights: Reconstruction of gene networks highlighted mitochondrial membrane proteins, especially those of the respiratory chain, ATP synthase, and lipid rafts, as regulatory hubs governing enzymes that process the altered metabolites.
  • ✔ Membrane Structure Disruption: THz radiation induces a reversible disturbance of the lipid raft macrostructure, modulating mitochondrial transport mechanisms yet preserving protein structural integrity.
  • ✔ Specificity to THz: The observed metabolic effects were unique to THz exposure and not attributable to heating, as evidenced by distinct cellular responses under infrared controls.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates a clear biological response in human melanoma cells to THz electromagnetic field exposure, implicating mitochondrial membrane elements in the process. The findings underscore the imperative to assess EMF safety rigorously, as even non-thermal THz radiation can disrupt fundamental cellular structures and metabolic pathways.

THz radiation melanoma metabolomics mitochondrial membrane gene networks lipid rafts electromagnetic fields
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