We explore the potential of using magnetic cues as a novel approach to modulating ion channel expression, which could provide an alternative to traditional pharmacological interventions. Ion channels are crucial targets for pharmacological therapies, and ongoing research in this field continues to introduce new methods for treating various diseases. However, the efficacy of ion channel drugs is often compromised by issues such as target selectivity, leading to side effects, toxicity, and complex drug interactions. These challenges, along with problems like drug resistance and difficulties in crossing biological barriers, highlight the need for innovative strategies. In this context, the proposed use of magnetic cues to modulate ion channel expression may offer a promising solution to address these limitations, potentially improving the safety and effectiveness of treatments, particularly for long-term use. Key developments in this area are reviewed, the relationships between changes in ion channel expression and magnetic fields are summarized, knowledge gaps are identified, and central issues relevant to future research are discussed.
- Keywords
- cell membrane, ion channel drug, ion channels, magnetic cues, magnetic field, magnetic nanoparticles,
- MeSH
- Ion Channels * metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Fields * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Ion Channels * MeSH
Calcium signaling plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, cell division, and neurotransmitter release. Dysregulation of calcium levels and signaling has been linked to a range of pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Here, we propose a theoretical model that predicts the modulation of calcium ion channel activity and calcium signaling in the endothelium through the application of either a time-varying or static gradient magnetic field (MF). This modulation is achieved by exerting magnetic forces or torques on either biogenic or non-biogenic magnetic nanoparticles that are bound to endothelial cell membranes. Since calcium signaling in endothelial cells induces neuromodulation and influences blood flow control, treatment with a magnetic field shows promise for regulating neurovascular coupling and treating vascular dysfunctions associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, magnetic treatment can enable control over the decoding of Ca signals, ultimately impacting protein synthesis. The ability to modulate calcium wave frequencies using MFs and the MF-controlled decoding of Ca signaling present promising avenues for treating diseases characterized by calcium dysregulation.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Cell-cycle progression is regulated by numerous intricate endogenous mechanisms, among which intracellular forces and protein motors are central players. Although it seems unlikely that it is possible to speed up this molecular machinery by applying tiny external forces to the cell, we show that magnetic forcing of magnetosensitive bacteria reduces the duration of the mitotic phase. In such bacteria, the coupling of the cell cycle to the splitting of chains of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) provides a biological realization of such forcing. Using a static gradient magnetic field of a special spatial configuration, in probiotic bacteria E. coli Nissle 1917, we shortened the duration of the mitotic phase and thereby accelerated cell division. Thus, focused magnetic gradient forces exerted on the BMN chains allowed us to intervene in the processes of division and growth of bacteria. The proposed magnetic-based cell division regulation strategy can improve the efficiency of microbial cell factories and medical applications of magnetosensitive bacteria.
The diffusion of biologically active molecules is a ubiquitous process, controlling many mechanisms and the characteristic time scales for pivotal processes in living cells. Here, we show how a high static magnetic field (MF) affects the diffusion of paramagnetic and diamagnetic species including oxygen, hemoglobin, and drugs. We derive and solve the equation describing diffusion of such biologically active molecules in the presence of an MF as well as reveal the underlying mechanism of the MF's effect on diffusion. We found that a high MF accelerates diffusion of diamagnetic species while slowing the diffusion of paramagnetic molecules in cell cytoplasm. When applied to oxygen and hemoglobin diffusion in red blood cells, our results suggest that an MF may significantly alter the gas exchange in an erythrocyte and cause swelling. Our prediction that the diffusion rate and characteristic time can be controlled by an MF opens new avenues for experimental studies foreseeing numerous biomedical applications.
- Keywords
- drug diffusion, hemoglobin, magnetic field, molecular diffusion, red blood cells,
- MeSH
- Diffusion MeSH
- Erythrocytes metabolism MeSH
- Hemoglobins metabolism MeSH
- Oxygen metabolism MeSH
- Pharmaceutical Preparations metabolism MeSH
- Magnetic Fields * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Hemoglobins MeSH
- Oxygen MeSH
- Pharmaceutical Preparations MeSH
Interactions between magnetic fields (MFs) and living cells may stimulate a large variety of cellular responses to a MF, while the underlying intracellular mechanisms still remain a great puzzle. On a fundamental level, the MF - cell interaction is affected by the two broken symmetries: (a) left-right (LR) asymmetry of the MF and (b) chirality of DNA molecules carrying electric charges and subjected to the Lorentz force when moving in a MF. Here we report on the chirality-driven effect of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on DNA synthesis. This newly discovered effect reveals how the interplay between two fundamental features of symmetry in living and inanimate nature-DNA chirality and the inherent features of MFs to distinguish the left and right-manifests itself in different DNA synthesis rates in the upward and downward SMFs, consequently resulting in unequal cell proliferation for the two directions of the field. The interplay between DNA chirality and MF LR asymmetry will provide fundamental knowledge for many MF-induced biological phenotypes.
- Keywords
- DNA synthesis, biomagnetic effects, homochirality, left-right asymmetry, magnetic field,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
