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Fifty-hertz magnetic field affects the epigenetic modulation of the miR-34b/c in neuronal cells.

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Consales C, Cirotti C, Filomeni G, Panatta M, Butera A, Merla C, Lopresto V, Pinto R, Marino C, Benassi B · 2018

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Power frequency magnetic fields alter brain cell gene regulation and increase proteins linked to neurodegeneration at levels found near power lines.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed brain cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields from power lines and found the fields altered protective gene activity and increased production of a protein linked to Parkinson's disease, suggesting power line frequencies may interfere with the brain's natural cellular defenses.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a concerning mechanism by which power frequency magnetic fields may contribute to neurodegeneration. The researchers found that 1 milliTesla exposure - a level you might encounter near high-voltage power lines or some industrial equipment - triggers epigenetic changes that reduce the brain's natural protective systems while increasing harmful protein production. What makes this particularly significant is that these effects occurred through direct changes to how genes are regulated, not just through oxidative stress as previously thought. The science demonstrates that EMF exposure can fundamentally alter cellular programming in ways that may predispose neurons to the kind of damage seen in neurodegenerative diseases. While this was laboratory research, it adds to growing evidence that our nervous systems are more vulnerable to electromagnetic interference than regulatory agencies acknowledge.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
1 mG
Source/Device
50 Hz

Exposure Context

This study used 1 mG for magnetic fields:

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 Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 1 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the Severe Concern rangeFCC limit is 2,000x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

We here aimed at assessing if the control of gene expression mediated by miRNAs, namely miRs-34, has any roles in driving neuronal cell response to 50-Hz (1 mT) magnetic field in vitro.

We demonstrate that ELF-MFs drive an early reduction of the expression level of miR-34b and miR-34c ...

Altogether, our data highlight the potential of the ELF-MFs to tune redox homeostasis and epigenetic control of gene expression in vitro and shed light on the possible mechanism(s) producing detrimental effects and predisposing neurons to degeneration.

Cite This Study
Consales C, Cirotti C, Filomeni G, Panatta M, Butera A, Merla C, Lopresto V, Pinto R, Marino C, Benassi B (2018). Fifty-hertz magnetic field affects the epigenetic modulation of the miR-34b/c in neuronal cells. Mol Neurobiol. 55(7):5698-5718, 2018a.
Show BibTeX
@article{c_2018_fiftyhertz_magnetic_field_affects_340,
  author = {Consales C and Cirotti C and Filomeni G and Panatta M and Butera A and Merla C and Lopresto V and Pinto R and Marino C and Benassi B},
  title = {Fifty-hertz magnetic field affects the epigenetic modulation of the miR-34b/c in neuronal cells.},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1007/s12035-017-0791-0},
  url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12035-017-0791-0},
}
DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0791-0

Cited By (4 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2018 study found that 50 Hz magnetic fields from power lines altered protective gene activity in brain cells. The fields reduced expression of miR-34b and miR-34c genes that normally protect neurons, potentially interfering with the brain's natural cellular defenses against damage.
Research shows 50 Hz power line magnetic fields increased production of alpha-synuclein protein in brain cells. This protein accumulates abnormally in Parkinson's disease, suggesting power line frequencies may contribute to processes that predispose neurons to degeneration through this pathway.
The 2018 study demonstrated that 50 Hz power line fields caused hyper-methylation of DNA regions controlling protective genes in neuronal cells. This epigenetic change silenced important cellular defense mechanisms, showing power line frequencies can alter gene expression through DNA modification rather than damage.
Yes, 50 Hz magnetic field exposure altered mitochondrial function in brain cells by disrupting protective microRNA controls. The study found these fields increased reactive oxygen species production in mitochondria, potentially compromising cellular energy production and contributing to oxidative stress in neurons.
The research found consistent effects across species, with 50 Hz magnetic fields reducing protective gene expression in both human neuroblastoma cells and mouse primary cortical neurons. This cross-species consistency strengthens evidence that power line frequencies may pose universal risks to neuronal health.