Genomic Signature of Membrane Permeation Induced by Intense THz Pulses

Intense THz pulses have been shown to induce non-thermal biological effects at multiple scales of structural organization, including differential gene expressions in human skin tissue. Epidermal differentiation is a calcium-regulated process, and an excellent candidate for studying genetics of THz-induced biological effects due to the strong over-representation of THz-affected genes in these processes. Results indicate application of THz for targeted inhibition of mitotic activity in skin, and additionally suggest membrane permeation as a key mechanism of THz-induced biological effects. Preliminary experiments investigating fluorescence detection of membrane permeability and techniques of field enhancement in THz-exposed cell lines will be discussed.