Nanoparticle-enhanced Magnetic Field Induces Apoptosis in Nematode

To investigate molecular consequence of magnetic field to C. elegans, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were incorporated into the culture media of C. elegans and the nematodes were grown under magnetic field for 4 days. For the expermental group, we observed a 30 to 50 percents reduction in the moving speed. However, only nematode at L4 stage exhibited this difference. To explore molecular mechanisms affected by this treatment, real-time RT-PCR was performed using primers specific to amplify 120 genes. Differential expression for genes belong to apoptosis was observed. Biochemical assay for Caspase 3 activity was performed. The magnetic field-treated nematode exhibited high levels of Caspase 3 activity consistent with real-time PRC. Fluorescence microscopy showed that apoptotic activity was associated with the Fe3O4 treatment. For further validation, a ced-3 mutant nematode under enhanced magnetic field showed less effect for the movement than wild-type. The current study indicated that nanoparticle-enhanced magnetic field induced apoptosis in nematode.