Effects on protein kinase C and gene expression in a human mast cell line, HMC-1, following microwave exposure.
Harvey C, French PW. · 2000
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation altered gene expression and cellular signaling in human immune cells at non-thermal exposure levels, affecting genes linked to cancer and cell death.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed human immune cells (mast cells) to microwave radiation at 864.3 MHz for 20 minutes daily over a week, using power levels that kept the cells cooler than body temperature. They found that this non-thermal exposure altered the activity of protein kinase C (a key cellular signaling molecule) and changed the expression of three genes, including one linked to cancer development and another associated with cell death.
Why This Matters
This study demonstrates that microwave radiation can trigger biological effects in human cells even when temperatures remain well below what would cause heat damage. The researchers used a SAR of 7 W/kg, which is higher than typical cell phone exposures (around 1-2 W/kg) but within ranges that can occur with some wireless devices held close to the body. What makes this research particularly significant is that it shows EMF exposure can alter fundamental cellular processes like gene expression and protein signaling pathways that control cell growth and death. The fact that a proto-oncogene (c-kit) was among the affected genes raises important questions about long-term cancer risk, while changes to apoptosis-related genes suggest EMF may interfere with the body's natural ability to eliminate damaged cells. This adds to the growing body of evidence that biological effects from wireless radiation extend far beyond simple heating.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 7 W/kg
- Source/Device
- 864.3 MHz
- Exposure Duration
- 20-min duration daily for 7 days
Exposure Context
This study used 7 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):
- 17.5x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.4 W/kg
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
The aim of this study is to investigate Effects on protein kinase C and gene expression in a human mast cell line, HMC-1, following microwave exposure.
We used a resonant cavity which delivered a continuous wave exposure at 864.3 MHz at an average spec...
The temperature of the cell culture medium during the exposure fell to 26.5 degrees C. Effects were ...
We conclude that low-power microwave exposure may act on HMC-1 cells by altering gene expression via a mechanism involving activation of protein kinase C, and at temperatures well below those known to induce a heat shock response.
Show BibTeX
@article{c_2000_effects_on_protein_kinase_1066,
author = {Harvey C and French PW.},
title = {Effects on protein kinase C and gene expression in a human mast cell line, HMC-1, following microwave exposure.},
year = {2000},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10736198/},
}