Genetic networks responsive to low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in human lymphoma U937 cells

To clarify the detailed molecular mechanism underlying cellular responses to nonthermal low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), gene expression patterns and genetic networks in human lymphoma U937 cells were examined using global-scale microarrays and computational gene expression analysis tools. Six hours after LIPUS treatment (0.3 W/cm² for 1 min), apoptosis (14 ± 3.8%, mean ± SD) without no cell lysis was observed. Of 22,283 probe sets analyzed, LIPUS down-regulated 193 genes and up-regulated 201 genes by >1.5-fold. For down-regulated genes, the significant genetic network D was associated with cellular growth and proliferation, gene expression, or cellular development. For up-regulated genes, the significant genetic network U was associated with cellular movement, cell morphology, and cell death. The present results indicate that LIPUS affects the expression of many genes and will provide novel insight into the biomolecular mechanisms of LIPUS in therapeutic application for cancer therapy.