Quantitative proteomics reveals effects of environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on embryonic neural stem cells

Abstract

Overview

The study focuses on investigating the impact of environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on embryonic neural stem cells at the proteomic level.

Methodology

Neuroectodermal stem cells (NE-4C cells) were divided into a sham group and an RF group, with the latter exposed to a 1950 MHz RF-EMF at 2 W/kg for 48 hours.

• Cell proliferation was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8.
• Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured through flow cytometry.
• Protein and mRNA levels were analyzed via LC-MS/MS and qRT-PCR, respectively.

Findings

No significant differences were noted in cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, or apoptosis between the two groups. Nonetheless, variations in the abundance of 23 proteins were observed, some correlating with changes at the transcript level.

A bioinformatics analysis revealed these proteins were predominantly associated with 'localization' within cellular processes. No significant pathway alterations in NE-4C cells were detected.

Conclusion

The study concludes that although low-level RF-EMF exposure did not show neurotoxic effects, it induced minor changes in protein abundance, potentially affecting neurodevelopment or brain function.