Extremely Low-­Frequency and Low-­Intensity Electromagnetic Field Technology (ELF-­EMF) Sculpts Microtubules

This study explores how extremely low-frequency and low-intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) affect microtubules, which are essential components of the cell structure, especially in neurons. The researchers applied ELF-EMF to neuronal cells exposed to zinc, a substance that can disrupt microtubule function. They discovered that ELF-EMF can enhance microtubule dynamics and increase the interaction between microtubules and Tau, a protein important for microtubule stability. Different frequencies of ELF-EMF had varying effects on Tau phosphorylation (a modification of the Tau protein) and the composition of tubulin, the building block of microtubules. These findings suggest that ELF-EMF could potentially be used to modulate microtubule function and improve brain health.

• 1
  Timed pre-exposure to ELF-EMF (40 Hz, 1 G) enhanced microtubule dynamics, specifically increasing EB1 comet tracks' length with a 10 min (48 h) treatment.
• 2
  Pre-exposure to ELF-EMF (40 Hz, 1 G) enhanced Tau-microtubule interaction, preventing excessive zinc-induced Tau release from microtubules.
• 3
  Short ELF-EMF treatment at 40 Hz and 1 G reduces Tau phosphorylation in the microtubule pellet, while beta tubulin isotype reduction (TUB2.1) is observed after ELF-EMF treatment, which is accentuated at 3.9 Hz and 1 G exposure.