Electromagnetic field (50 Hz) enhance metabolic potential and induce adaptive/reprogramming response mediated by the increase of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Background: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have an impact on numerous cellular processes. It can positively and negatively affect adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) thus their fate through the influence of specific factors and protein secretion. EMF can be a great factor for preconditioning ASCs for regenerative medicine purposes, however, understanding the cell's biological response to its effects in vitro is essential.

Methods: ASCs were exposed to the EMF (50 Hz; 1.5 mT) for 24 and 48 h, and then cell biological response was analyzed.

Results: 24 h exposure of ASCs to EMF, significantly increased N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA methylation, indicating epitranscriptomic changes as an important factor in ASCs preconditioning. Furthermore, the expression of stem cell markers such as Nanog, Oct-4, Sox-2, CD44, and CD105 increased after 24 h of EMF exposure. Besides, western blot analysis showed upregulation of p21 and DNMT2/TRDMT1 protein levels compared to control cells with no differences in the p53 profile. Moreover, after 24 h of exposure to EMF, cell membrane flexibility, the metabolic potential of cells as well as the distribution, morphology, and metabolism of mitochondria were altered.

Conclusion: ASCs undergo a process of mobilization and adaptation under the EMF influence through the increased m⁶A RNA modifications. These conditions may "force" ASCs to redefine their stem cell fate mediated by RNA-modifying enzymes and alter their reprogramming decision of as differentiation begins.