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Cell biology
Characterisation of effects of non-ionising radiation on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism
Background
Despite many efforts, the nature of possible biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) is still unclear. Preliminary results from this research group have shown a possible mild EMF effect, resembling the effect of a mild heat shock.
Aim
In this project, the research group will use the flatworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to investigate possible cellular responses to EMF. The experiments will be conducted with genetically modified C. elegans expressing polyQ proteins (tagged polyglutamine-expansion proteins), which are associated with the formation of protein aggregates connected with various types of mammalian neurodegenerative diseases. In these flatworms, the mild heat shock-like EMF effect may be amplified by the dynamic accumulation of toxic protein aggregates and progressive paralysis of the animal. Possible EMF effects will be compared with effects induced by various environmental stresses, such as heat shock, oxidative stress and different chemical treatments. Thermal and possibly non-thermal effects of EMF will be distinguished by applying various fields, either continuously or intermittently.
Significance
The research study has the potential to detect biological effects of EMF and to characterise their nature. The results could provide a scientific basis for the development of EMF biosensing systems that may assist the authorities in defining safer exposure limits. The research will improve our understanding of fundamental aspects of cell biology in relation to cell sensing and responding to environmental stresses in general, and to EMF in particular.
Duration: 36 months
Grant: CHF 310'802.--
Prof. Dr. Pierre Goloubinoff
Department of Plant Molecular Biology
University of Lausanne
Bātiment de Biologie
CH-1015 Lausanne
pierre.goloubinoff@unil.ch
Further applicants:
Dr. Farhad Rachidi, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne EPFL
Dr. Pierre Haldimann, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Lausanne
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