Recent research has shown that audible sound can significantly influence genetic activity in both mouse and rat cells, enhancing muscle precursor cell attachment while reducing fat accumulation.

Kumeta emphasizes that using audible sound is a noninvasive and safer alternative to traditional medications, with promising applications in larger body areas for suppressing fat tissue development and enhancing regenerative medicine.

This study builds on previous research that focused on ultrasound effects, extending the findings to audible sound, which is easily produced without the need for special equipment.

Published in the journal Communications Biology, the study identifies over 100 genes whose activity is altered by acoustic waves, suggesting significant potential for medical applications.

The mechanism behind this phenomenon likely involves the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), an enzyme that detects mechanical forces and influences gene activity, facilitated by sound waves altering molecular structures.

Experiments led by Kyoto University biologist Masahiro Kumeta involved exposing cultured mouse and rat myoblast cells to various sound frequencies, including low (440 Hz), high (14 kHz), and white noise, for durations of two to 24 hours.

The affected genes play crucial roles in cellular adhesion and migration, with sound exposure enhancing the attachment sites of cells to surrounding tissues.

RNA sequencing revealed that after two hours, 42 genes showed altered activity, while after 24 hours, 145 genes were affected, with the majority exhibiting increased activity.

Notably, the study found that sound exposure inhibited the differentiation of pre-adipocytes into mature fat cells, resulting in a 13 to 15 percent decrease in fat accumulation.

Kumeta's team is now exploring the use of audible sound interventions in living mice, with aspirations to apply these findings to human treatments within the next five to ten years.

Future research may further investigate sound interventions in living rats and potentially humans, with implications for regenerative medicine and cancer growth inhibition.