Effect of electromagnetic field radiation on transcriptomic profile and DNA methylation level in pig conceptuses during the peri-implantation period

Authors: Franczak A, Zmijewska A, Drzewiecka EM, Kozlowska W, Wydorski P, Paukszto L, Brevini TL

Year: 2025 Apr 23

Category: Molecular Biology

Journal: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-98918-9

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-98918-9

Abstract

Overview

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) radiation has the capacity to alter the steroidogenic activity of porcine conceptuses during the peri-implantation period. This study explored the effects of short-term (2 h) ELF-EMF exposure on the transcriptomic profile and DNA methylation levels in pig conceptuses, focusing particularly on promoter regions of differentially expressed genes.

Findings

  • Pig conceptuses were collected on days 15-16 of pregnancy, preincubated, and then exposed in vitro to ELF-EMF at a frequency of 50 Hz.
  • ELF-EMF treatment modified the expression of 21 protein-coding transcripts, including SLC34A1, HSD17B2, APOM, RGN, HSPA6, FGG, and FGG.
  • 21 GO annotations were identified for biological processes, 9 for cellular components, and 2 KEGG pathways.
  • ELF-EMF exposure resulted in an approximate 16-fold increase in genomic DNA methylation levels in pig conceptuses.
  • Changes in DNA methylation were detected in the promoter regions of APOM, HSD17B2, FGG, and SLC34A1.
  • 116 predicted single nucleotide variant substitutions were identified within RNA editing sites following ELF-EMF treatment.

Conclusion

ELF-EMF radiation interacts with DNA methylation and gene expression processes, particularly in genes tied to cellular homeostasis, development, and attachment of early conceptuses. These findings underscore a connection between ELF-EMF exposure and significant molecular changes during early development, highlighting the need for further research regarding the safety and biological impact of electromagnetic field exposure during critical stages of development.

electromagnetic field DNA methylation transcriptomics pig conceptuses ELF-EMF gene expression reproductive biology
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