Abstract
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can interact with biological tissues exerting positive as well as negative effects on cell viability, but the underlying sensing and signaling mechanisms are largely unknown. So far in excitable cells EMF exposure was postulated to cause Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca channels (VDCC) leading to cell activation and an antioxidant response. Upon further activation oxidative stress causing DNA damage or cell death may follow. Here we report collected evidence from literature that voltage dependent anion channels (VDAC) located not only in the outer microsomal membrane but also in the cytoplasmic membrane convert to Ca2+ conducting channels of varying capacities upon subtle changes of the applied EMF even in non-excitable cells like erythrocytes. Thus, VDAC can be targeted by external EMF in both types of membranes to release Ca2+ into the cytosol. The role of frequency, pulse modulation or polarization remains to be investigated in suitable cellular models. VDACs are associated with several other proteins, among which the 18 kDa translocator (TSPO) is of specific interest since it was characterized as the central benzodiazepine receptor in neurons. Exhibiting structural similarities with magnetoreceptors we propose that TSPO could sense the magnetic component of the EMF and thus together with VDAC could trigger physiological as well as pathological cellular responses. Pulsed EMFs in the frequency range of the brain-wave communication network may explain psychic disturbances of electromagnetic hypersensitive persons. An important support is provided from human psychology that states deficits like insomnia, anxiety or depression can be treated with diazepines that indicates apparent connections between the TSPO/VDAC complex and organismic responses to EMF.
Highlights
The digital revolution changes life in our modern world dramatically and enables mankind to solve increasingly complex problems in shorter times
voltage dependent anion channels (VDAC) are associated with several other proteins, among which the 18 kDa translocator (TSPO) is of specific interest since it was characterized as the central benzodiazepine receptor in neurons
Exhibiting structural similarities with magnetoreceptors we propose that translocator protein (TSPO) could sense the magnetic component of the Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and together with VDAC could trigger physiological as well as pathological cellular responses
Summary
The digital revolution changes life in our modern world dramatically and enables mankind to solve increasingly complex problems in shorter times. In the GHz range it was found, the higher the frequency the higher the absorption coefficient Besides thermal absorption it is, largely unknown by which mechanisms EMFs interact with different tissues and cells and above which radiation intensities significant effects on cellular processes are probable. Our study indicated unexpectedly the involvement of a plasma membrane voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC) in electrically non-excitable cells as a common target of EMF actions, and VDAC associated sensors as mediators This establishes new aspects in the field of research on those cells and even on the biophysical and biochemical network that controls brain functions
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