THz Waves: Turning Down Cancer Genes with a Demethylation Hack
Terahertz (THz) radiation is stepping into the cancer-fighting ring, and it’s targeting DNA methylation—the process where a methyl group (CH3) attaches to DNA to control gene expression. When this process goes haywire, it can lead to diseases like cancer.
In this study, researchers zapped melanoma cells (SK-MEL-3) with 1.6-THz radiation and found that it reduced DNA methylation by 19%. The best part? It didn’t damage the DNA itself. This demethylation effect was power-dependent, meaning the stronger the THz waves, the more methyl groups got kicked off.
What’s the big deal? THz demethylation turned down the activity of cancer-related genes like FOS, JUN, and CXCL8, which are involved in tumor growth and cell death pathways.
Bottom line? THz radiation could be a powerful tool for tweaking gene expression and offers exciting potential as a non-invasive cancer treatment. Who knew fighting cancer could be this high-frequency?