Mechanistic insights into microwave radiation induced cognitive impairments: The role of mA epigenetic modifications and HNRNPA2B1 in TrkB regulation

作者：Weijia Zhi, Jiale Tang, M. Zhang, Yong Zou, Si-Mo Qiao, Lizhen Ma, Ji Dong, Binwei Yao, Xuelong Zhao, Zhenqi Yang, Zhongwu Lin, Xiangjun Hu, Lifeng Wang · 发表于：Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117907 · 被引用次数：5 · 研究领域：Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders、Epigenetics and DNA Methylation、MicroRNA in disease regulation

Microwave radiation, a prevalent environmental stressor, significantly impacts human health. Based on previous studies, we hypothesize that microwave-induced cognitive impairments and vulnerability in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) region are due to abnormal synaptic plasticity regulated by both newborn and mature neurons derived from neural stem cells (NSCs). Epigenetics links external factors to organisms, offers insights into the health effects of environmental influences. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of microwave radiation on neuronal synaptic plasticity from the perspective of mRNA N 6 -methyladenosine ( m 6 A ) modification. We first assessed the impact of microwave radiation on cognitive memory abilities in rats through behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining were applied to clarify the influence of microwave radiation on both neurons and NSCs. Molecular mechanisms were investigated by ELISA , q-PCR , Western blot , MeRIP-seq, and RNA pull-down experiments. The microwave radiated rat model exhibiting learning and memory deficits. Impaired synaptic plasticity in mature hippocampal neurons alongside hindered NSCs proliferation and development were observed. Using our established non-contact co-culture model, we replicated the in vivo adverse effects of microwave radiation. Down-regulated HNRNPA2B1 leads to reduced binding of TrkB m 6 A and promoted TrkB degradation. This feedback loop results in low BDNF expression, ultimately caus...