Electric and Magnetic Fields in Stem Cell Research

Abstract

Life of vertebrates, including humans, starts with a fertilized egg, the zygote. During early embryonic development at blastocyst stage the stem cells become prominent. These cells, in time, differentiate into approximately 200 types of cells, which form all the organs of the body. In this process of differentiation, various endogenous and exogenous factors are involved. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are one of those factors. Among endogenous factors, epigenetic mechanisms are involved in switching genes on and off as and when required for the differentiation of a specific organ. EMFs seem to have a key role in modulating these epigenetic factors. Very little is known of these factors and their interactions; our understanding of these factors would help in harnessing stem cells in regenerative medicine.

Keywords:

• Electrical fields
• Magnetic fields
• Stem cell research