Effects on electromagnetic fields in vitro and in vivo: Identification and characterisation of stress-response pathways
Background There is emerging evidence that radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) can have biological effects on mammalian cells. Key to strengthening this evidence are dose-response experiments and studies increasing our understanding of how these effects occur. In 2006 the World Health Organisation recommended that the most useful contribution of in vitro (cell) studies would include investigation of signal and/or cell specific effects, especially those relevant to cancer or affecting the nervous system.
Aim Studies on how cells and simple organisms respond to stress, like RF EMF, will be the focus of this research project. To investigate the stress response, the research team uses two different model systems: the round worm Caenorhabditis elegans and mammalian cell culture. Because nature tends to conserve the basic responses of many organisms, such as the stress response and related responses, it is likely that responses elicited in C. elegans will be applicable to understanding similar processes in higher organisms, including humans. The major goal of this project is to identify the key players in the stress-response signalling pathways that may be involved in the RF EMF response.
Significance This research project will contribute to our understanding of how RF EMF exposure interacts with processes involved in cellular defences against stress. Considering that these same molecular pathways are also implicated in ageing, cancer and neurodegeneration, this research might also lead to an understanding of the potential human health impacts of long-term RF EMF exposure.
Duration: 36 months
Grant: CHF 480’554.--
Prof. Dr. Meike Mevissen
Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology
Vetsuisse Faculty Bern
University of Bern Länggassstrasse 124
CH-3012 Bern meike.mevissen@vpi.unibe.ch
