Generation and propagation of yeast prion are elevated under ELF and 2.0 GHz RF EMF

Authors: Lian HY, Lin KW, Yang C, Cai P

Year: 2017 Dec 6

Category: Cell Biology

Journal: Cell Stress Chaperones

DOI: 10.1007/s12192-017-0867-9

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29214607

Abstract

Overview

This research explores the influence of electromagnetic fields (EMF), specifically 2.0 GHz radio frequency (RF-EMF) and 50 Hz extremely low frequency (ELF-EMF), on prion generation and propagation in yeast strains.

Findings

  • Both RF-EMF and ELF-EMF exposures heightened the formation and spread of yeast prions in the strains NT64C and SB34.
  • The rise in prion propagation was time-dependent and more pronounced with increasing doses of ELF-EMF.
  • Despite exposure, levels of molecular chaperones (Hsp104, Hsp70-Ssa1/2, and Hsp40-Ydj1) remained unchanged.
  • Significant increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) were observed following short-term exposure.

Conclusion

This study confirms that EMF exposure accelerates the generation and spread of prions in yeast and suggests a potential mechanism involving ROS in protein misfolding processes, which might affect broader cellular functions.

EMF yeast prion radio frequency extremely low frequency protein misfolding
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