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Identification of Key Factors Regulating Self-renewal and Differentiation in EML Hematopoietic Precursor Cells by RNA-sequencing Analysis
Published on: November 11, 2014
Gene expression analysis of ELF-MF exposed human monocytes indicating the involvement of the alternative activation
Madeleine Lupke1, Jana Frahm, Margareta Lantow
1Division of Environmental Physiology, Institute of Cell Biology and Biosystems Technology, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Str. 3, D-18059 Rostock, Germany.
Abstract:
This study focused on the cell activating capacity of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) on human umbilical cord blood-derived monocytes. Our results confirm the previous findings of cell activating capacity of ELF-MF (1.0 mT) in human monocytes, which was detected as an increased ROS release. Furthermore, gene expression profiling (whole-genome cDNA array Human Unigene RZPD-2) was performed to achieve a comprehensive view of involved genes during the cell activation process after 45 min ELF-MF exposure. Our results indicate the alteration of 986 genes involved in metabolism, cellular physiological processes, signal transduction and immune response. Significant regulations could be analyzed for 5 genes (expression >2- or <0.5-fold): IL15RA (Interleukin 15 receptor, alpha chain), EPS15R (Epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 15 - like 1), DNMT3A (Hypothetical protein MGC16121), DNMT3A (DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase 3 alpha), and one gene with no match to known genes, DKFZP586J1624. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of the kinetic of the expression of IL15RA, and IL10RA during 45 min ELF-MF exposure indicates the regulation of cell activation via the alternative pathway, whereas the delayed gene expression of FOS, IL2RA and the melatonin synthesizing enzyme HIOMT suggests the suppression of inflammatory processes. Accordingly, we suggest that ELF-MF activates human monocytes via the alternative pathway.
Insights
Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) activate human monocytes, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) release. Gene expression analysis revealed significant alterations in 986 genes, suggesting ELF-MF activates monocytes via an alternative pathway.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) are increasingly studied for their biological effects.
- Human monocytes play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Previous research indicated ELF-MF can activate human monocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cell-activating capacity of ELF-MF on human monocytes.
- To identify genes regulated by ELF-MF exposure in monocytes.
- To elucidate the pathway through which ELF-MF activates monocytes.
Main Methods:
- Human umbilical cord blood-derived monocytes were exposed to ELF-MF (1.0 mT).
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) release was measured.
- Whole-genome cDNA array analysis was performed for gene expression profiling.
- Real-time RT-PCR was used to validate gene expression kinetics.
Main Results:
- ELF-MF exposure confirmed increased ROS release in monocytes.
- Gene expression profiling revealed significant alterations in 986 genes, including those involved in metabolism, cellular processes, signal transduction, and immune response.
- Specific genes like IL15RA, EPS15R, and DNMT3A showed significant regulation.
- Kinetic analysis indicated activation via an alternative pathway, with delayed expression of FOS, IL2RA, and HIOMT suggesting suppression of inflammation.
Conclusions:
- ELF-MF (1.0 mT) activates human monocytes, evidenced by increased ROS release.
- ELF-MF exposure significantly alters the expression of a wide range of genes.
- Monocyte activation by ELF-MF appears to occur through an alternative pathway, potentially suppressing inflammatory processes.

