Frequency-Selective Terahertz Irradiation Activates Mitochondrial Biogenesis

PAPER manual ACS Nano 2026 In vitro study Effect: benefit Evidence: Low

Read original paper → DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c16791 PMID: 41504232 Evidence Lab

Abstract

Mitochondria play a central role in cellular energy metabolism, survival, and apoptosis, with their dysfunction implicated in numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative and age-related disorders. Modulating mitochondrial function therefore represents a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, we demonstrate that high-frequency terahertz (THz) irradiation elicits frequency-specific effects on mitochondrial biogenesis. Through MitoTimer and MitoTracker assays, we observed that irradiation at 34.5 THz significantly enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, an effect not observed at 36.1 THz. Electrophysiological and molecular analyses revealed that 34.5 THz irradiation elevates intracellular calcium flux and activates the calcium-mediated PGC-1α-NRF1/2-TFAM pathway, leading to increased cellular energy production and oxygen consumption. Computational modeling suggested a resonant coupling mechanism in which 34.5 THz irradiation interacts with the bending vibration of the glutamate C-C-C bond at the narrowest region of the calcium ion channel pore, thereby lowering the energy barrier for calcium influx. Our findings reveal a noninvasive, frequency-specific mitochondrial modulation by THz irradiation, which may offer a promising therapeutic avenue for addressing mitochondrial dysfunction.

AI evidence extraction

At a glance

Study type

In vitro study

Effect direction

benefit

Population

Cells/mitochondria in experimental assays (in vitro)

Sample size

—

Exposure

THz other · 34500000 MHz

Evidence strength

Low

Confidence: 94% · Peer-reviewed: yes

Main findings

The study reports that 34.5 THz irradiation, but not 36.1 THz, significantly enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in in vitro assays. The abstract states that 34.5 THz increased intracellular calcium flux and activated the calcium-mediated PGC-1α-NRF1/2-TFAM pathway, with increased cellular energy production and oxygen consumption.

Outcomes measured

Mitochondrial biogenesis
Intracellular calcium flux
PGC-1α-NRF1/2-TFAM pathway activation
Cellular energy production
Oxygen consumption

Limitations

In vitro study
Sample size not stated in the abstract
Exposure duration not stated in the abstract
Mechanistic interpretation includes computational modeling rather than direct confirmation alone

View raw extracted JSON

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "THz",
        "source": "other",
        "frequency_mhz": 34500000,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Cells/mitochondria in experimental assays (in vitro)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Mitochondrial biogenesis",
        "Intracellular calcium flux",
        "PGC-1α-NRF1/2-TFAM pathway activation",
        "Cellular energy production",
        "Oxygen consumption"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The study reports that 34.5 THz irradiation, but not 36.1 THz, significantly enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in in vitro assays. The abstract states that 34.5 THz increased intracellular calcium flux and activated the calcium-mediated PGC-1α-NRF1/2-TFAM pathway, with increased cellular energy production and oxygen consumption.",
    "effect_direction": "benefit",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro study",
        "Sample size not stated in the abstract",
        "Exposure duration not stated in the abstract",
        "Mechanistic interpretation includes computational modeling rather than direct confirmation alone"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.939999999999999946709294817992486059665679931640625,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "terahertz",
        "THz irradiation",
        "mitochondrial biogenesis",
        "calcium flux",
        "PGC-1α",
        "NRF1",
        "NRF2",
        "TFAM",
        "oxygen consumption",
        "cellular energy production",
        "frequency-specific effects",
        "in vitro"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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

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