Proteomic analysis of human lens epithelial cells exposed to microwaves.
OBJECTIVE
To study proteomic changes in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) exposed to 1800-MHz Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)-like microwaves.


METHODS
In three separate experiments, HLECs were exposed and sham-exposed (six dishes each) to 1800-MHz GSM-like radiation for 2 h. The specific absorption rates were 1.0, 2.0, or 3.5 W/kg. Immediately after radiation, the proteome was extracted from the HLECs. Immobilized pH gradient two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(2-DE; silver staining) and PDQuest 2-DE analysis software were used to separate and analyze the proteome of exposed and sham-exposed HLECs. Four differentially expressed protein spots were selected and identified by using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS-MS).


RESULTS
When the protein profiles of exposed cells were compared with those of sham-exposed cells, four proteins were detected as upregulated. After analysis by ESI-MS-MS and through a database search, heat-shock protein (HSP) 70 and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) were determined to be upregulated in the exposed cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry may be a powerful tool for screening potential electromagnetic-reaction protein markers. HSP70 and hnRNP K are involved in the stress reaction of HLECs exposed to microwaves. These cell responses are nonthermal effects of the electromagnetic field.
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003459:Crystallins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D034641:Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008872:Microwaves; D020543:Proteome / Q000378:metabolism*; D040901:Proteomics; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D015854:Up-Regulation
D003459:Crystallins; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; D034641:Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K; D020543:Proteome; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins; C072074:HNRNPK protein, human