Weak power frequency magnetic fields induce microtubule cytoskeleton reorganization depending on epidermal growth factor receptor & calcium signaling

2018 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 2012

Study snapshot

Publicationmanual · 2018

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Weak power frequency magnetic fields induce microtubule cytoskeleton reorganization depending on epidermal growth factor receptor & calcium signaling Wu X, Du J, Song W, Cao M, Chen S, Xia R. Weak power frequency magnetic fields induce microtubule cytoskeleton reorganization depending on the epidermal growth factor receptor and the calcium related signaling. PLoS One. 2018 Oct 12;13(10):e0205569. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205569. Abstract We have shown previously that a weak 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) invoked the actin-cytoskeleton, and provoked cell migration at the celllevel, probably through activating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) related motility pathways. However, whether the MF also affects the microtubule (MT)-cytoskeleton is still unknown. In this article, we continuously investigate the effects of 0.4 mT, 50 Hz MF on the MT, and try to understand if the MT effects are also associated with the EGFR pathway as the actin-cytoskeleton effects were. Our results strongly suggest that the MF effects are similar to that of EGF stimulation on the MT cytoskeleton, showing that 1) the MF suppressed MT in multiple cell types including PC12 and FL; 2) the MF promoted the clustering of the EGFR at the protein and the cell levels, in a similar way of that EGF did but with higher sensitivity to PD153035 inhibition, and triggered EGFR phosphorylation on sites of Y1173 and S1046/1047; 3) these effects were strongly depending on the Ca2+ signaling through the L-type calcium channel (LTCC) phosphorylation and elevation of the intracellular Ca2+ level. Strong associations were observed between EGFR and the Ca2+ signaling to regulate the MF-induced-reorganization of the cytoskeleton network, via phosphorylating the signaling proteins in the two pathways, including a significant MT protein, tau. These results strongly suggest that the MF activates the overall cytoskeleton in the absence of EGF, through a mechanism related to both the EGFR and the LTCC/Ca2+ signaling pathways. Open access paper: journals.plos.org

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typein_vitro

Effect directionharm

PopulationNot supplied

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureELF · 0.05 MHz

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In multiple cell types (including PC12 and FL), continuous exposure to a 0.4 mT, 50 Hz magnetic field suppressed microtubules and promoted EGFR clustering and phosphorylation (Y1173 and S1046/1047). The reported cytoskeletal effects were described as strongly dependent on Ca2+ signaling via LTCC phosphorylation and increased intracellular Ca2+, with associations between EGFR and Ca2+ signaling including phosphorylation of tau.

Outcomes measured

Microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton organization/suppression
EGFR clustering
EGFR phosphorylation (Y1173, S1046/1047)
Ca2+ signaling via L-type calcium channel (LTCC) phosphorylation
Intracellular Ca2+ level elevation
Tau phosphorylation

Limitations

In vitro cell study; findings may not generalize to humans or real-world exposures
Exposure duration not stated in the abstract
Sample size and quantitative effect estimates not provided in the abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 0.05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton organization/suppression",
    "EGFR clustering",
    "EGFR phosphorylation (Y1173, S1046/1047)",
    "Ca2+ signaling via L-type calcium channel (LTCC) phosphorylation",
    "Intracellular Ca2+ level elevation",
    "Tau phosphorylation"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In multiple cell types (including PC12 and FL), continuous exposure to a 0.4 mT, 50 Hz magnetic field suppressed microtubules and promoted EGFR clustering and phosphorylation (Y1173 and S1046/1047). The reported cytoskeletal effects were described as strongly dependent on Ca2+ signaling via LTCC phosphorylation and increased intracellular Ca2+, with associations between EGFR and Ca2+ signaling including phosphorylation of tau.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro cell study; findings may not generalize to humans or real-world exposures",
    "Exposure duration not stated in the abstract",
    "Sample size and quantitative effect estimates not provided in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "50 Hz",
    "0.4 mT",
    "power frequency magnetic field",
    "ELF magnetic field",
    "microtubules",
    "cytoskeleton",
    "EGFR",
    "calcium signaling",
    "LTCC",
    "tau",
    "PC12",
    "FL cells"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.35,
      "reason": "Study examines power-frequency (50 Hz) magnetic field effects, relevant to ELF exposures common in occupational settings."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205569
PubMed: Not supplied

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