Biological effects of EMF exposure on Ets genes.
Ets genes are transcription factors expressed in different tissues. Biochemical pathways interfering with the intracellular calcium ion concentration are known to influence members of this gene family. Considering experimental observations and previous reports, we proposed a hypothetical model of interaction between EMF and Ets, based on possible interference in pathways involving calcium as a second messenger. This approach comprehend different hypothesis and may contribute to clarify EMF biological effects, providing an experimental model and a procedure based on gene expression analysis. Additional knowledge on biological mechanisms is required to support these promising results. Further experiments are in progress to assess the role of EMF in modulating gene expression and its biological meaning. Identification of early endpoints is needed for mechanism understanding and development of sensitive biomarkers for molecular epidemiology studies.
Romano-Spica
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V
University of Rome Foro Italico (IUSM), Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy. v.romanospica@caspur.it
Mucci
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N
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D015870:Gene Expression; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008967:Molecular Biology; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D050783:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000528:radiation effects
D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D050783:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors