Expression and Activity of the Transcription Factor CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein β (C/EBPβ) Is Regulated by Specific Pulse-Modulated Radio Frequencies in Oligodendroglial Cells

Authors: Huang B, Zhao W, Cai X, Zhu Y, Lu Y, Zhao J, Xiang N, Wang X, Deng H, Tang X, Liu L, Zhao Y, Shi Y

Year: 2023 Jul 5

Category: Molecular Science

Journal: Int J Mol Sci

DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311131

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/13/11131

Abstract

Overview

The rapid growth of wireless electronic devices has raised significant concerns regarding the potential harmful effects of leaked electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on human health. Investigations continue into the biological impacts of EMR, particularly how radio frequency (RF) EMR affects oligodendrocytes.

Methodology

Various brain cells, including oligodendroglia, were exposed to 2.4 GHz EMR over periods of 6 or 48 hours at an average input power of 1 W, using both continuous wave (CW-RF) and pulse-modulated (PW-RF, 50 Hz pulse frequency, 1/3 duty cycle) emissions. Techniques such as RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to analyze the expression of C/EBPβ and its related genes, while multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assessed the expression levels of C/EBPβ-interacting proteins.

Findings

PW-RF EMR notably increased the mRNA levels of C/EBPβ specifically in oligodendroglia, not affecting other cell types.
Significant alterations were observed in the expression of three isoforms and several interacting proteins, along with targeted genes of C/EBPβ, following 6 hours of exposure to PW-RF, but not to CW-RF.

Conclusion

The frequently employed 2.4 GHz frequency, ubiquitous in modern electronic devices, was shown to potentially regulate the expression and functions of the transcriptional factor C/EBPβ in oligodendroglial cells upon 6 hours of pulse-modulated exposure. This suggests that RF-EMR might have unforeseen biological effects, implicating a need for cautious evaluation of EMR exposure on health.

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