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Magnetic field-induced changes in specific gene transcription
J L Phillips1, W Haggren, W J Thomas
1Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Hospital, Research Service, Loma Linda 92357.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|September 24, 1992
Summary
Exposure to a 60 Hz, 1 gauss magnetic field alters gene transcription in T-lymphoblastoid cells. This study quantifies changes in c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc gene expression, indicating magnetic fields impact cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Biophysics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Magnetic fields are environmental agents known to influence cellular and animal responses.
- Previous research indicates magnetic fields can induce general changes in gene transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of a 60 Hz, 1 gauss sinusoidal magnetic field on gene transcription.
- To assess time-dependent and cell density-dependent alterations in gene expression in CEM-CM3 T-lymphoblastoid cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the nuclear run-off assay to measure alterations in specific gene transcription.
- Exposed CEM-CM3 T-lymphoblastoid cells to magnetic fields for durations of 15-120 minutes.
- Employed slot-blot analysis to assess changes in transcript levels.
Main Results:
- Observed and quantified time-dependent and cell density-dependent changes in the transcription of c-fos, c-jun, c-myc, and protein kinase C (beta-form).
- Demonstrated that changes in transcript levels, measured by slot-blot analysis, correlated with observed changes in gene transcription.
- Identified specific genes whose transcription is significantly affected by magnetic field exposure.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic field exposure plays a significant role in altering cellular processes.
- The study provides quantitative data on gene transcription changes induced by specific magnetic field parameters.
- Findings suggest a mechanism by which environmental magnetic fields can modulate cellular function at the genetic level.