BenefitLow evidencePaper 6846

Frequency-Selective Terahertz Irradiation Activates Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Keywords

#terahertz #THz irradiation #mitochondrial biogenesis #calcium flux #PGC-1α #NRF1 #NRF2 #TFAM #oxygen consumption #cellular energy production #frequency-specific effects #in vitro

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 pat…

Study snapshot

PublicationACS Nano · 2026

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionBenefit

Evidence ratingLow

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.

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 directionbenefit

PopulationCells/mitochondria in experimental assays (in vitro)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureTHz · 3.45e+07 MHz

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 94% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

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": 0.94,
  "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 and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c16791
PubMed: 41504232

Read the original paper →