Transcription and translation in cells exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields

Abstract

When dipteran salivary gland cells or human cells are exposed to low frequency electromagnetic fields, a pronounced increase in transcription can be measured. Changes in the protein synthetic pattern also occur. We have observed four major findings relative to transcriptional changes. These are: (1) the increase in mRNA levels is most likely due to an increased rate of transcription (rather than, for example, an increase in RNA stability); (2) frequency-, field strength and time-dependent “windows” are observed relative to quantitative changes in specific transcripts; (3) genes not normally expressed are unaffected by exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and (4) changes in the overall protein synthetic patterns occur.