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Radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz) induces Egr-1 gene expression and affects cell-cycle control in human neuroblastoma cells.

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Buttiglione M, Roca L, Montemurno E, Vitiello F, Capozzi V, Cibelli G. · 2007

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Cell phone radiation at legal exposure levels activated stress genes and disrupted normal brain cell function within hours of exposure.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed human brain cells to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) at power levels similar to what your phone emits. They found that this radiation activated stress response genes, disrupted normal cell division, and triggered cell death pathways. The effects occurred at radiation levels considered 'safe' by current standards, suggesting that RF exposure may interfere with fundamental cellular processes in brain tissue.

Why This Matters

This study adds important evidence to our understanding of how cell phone radiation affects brain cells at the molecular level. The researchers used 900 MHz RF radiation at 1 W/kg SAR - a level well within current safety limits and typical of what you experience during a phone call. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates biological effects occurring through multiple cellular pathways simultaneously: gene activation, cell cycle disruption, and programmed cell death. The activation of Egr-1, a gene involved in cellular stress responses, suggests that brain cells recognize RF radiation as a stressor even at 'safe' levels. The reality is that current safety standards focus primarily on heating effects, but this study shows non-thermal biological responses that could have long-term implications for brain health. You don't have to accept industry assurances that current exposure limits are adequate when independent research continues to reveal cellular-level effects.

Exposure Details

SAR
1 W/kg
Electric Field
23 V/m
Source/Device
900 MHz WPC antenna
Exposure Duration
continuous for 5, 15, 30 min, 6 ,24 h

Exposure Context

This study used 23 V/m for electric fields:

This study used 1 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

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 W/kgExtreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern rangeFCC limit is 2x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

This study was conducted to determine whether the radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz) induces Egr-1 gene expression and affects cell-cycle control in human neuroblastoma cells.

In order to elucidate the effect of RF radiation on the transcriptional induction of Egr‐1, SH‐SY5Y ...

Short‐term exposures induced a transient increase in Egr‐1 mRNA level paralleled with activation of ...

Our results provide evidence that exposure to a 900 MHz‐modulated RF radiation affect both Egr‐1 gene expression and cell regulatory functions, involving apoptosis inhibitors like Bcl‐2 and survivin, thus providing important insights into a potentially broad mechanism for controlling in vitro cell viability.

Cite This Study
Buttiglione M, Roca L, Montemurno E, Vitiello F, Capozzi V, Cibelli G. (2007). Radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz) induces Egr-1 gene expression and affects cell-cycle control in human neuroblastoma cells. J Cell Physiol. 213(3):759-767, 2007.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2007_radiofrequency_radiation_900_mhz_24,
  author = {Buttiglione M and Roca L and Montemurno E and Vitiello F and Capozzi V and Cibelli G.},
  title = {Radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz) induces Egr-1 gene expression and affects cell-cycle control in human neuroblastoma cells.},
  year = {2007},
  doi = {10.1002/jcp.21146},
  url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcp.21146/full},
}
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21146

Cited By (104 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

Research shows 900 MHz radiation from cell phones can disrupt brain cell function. A 2007 study found this radiation activated stress genes, disrupted normal cell division, and triggered cell death in human brain cells at levels considered 'safe' by current standards.
Yes, 900 MHz radiation significantly affects brain cells. Laboratory studies demonstrate this frequency activates cellular stress responses, impairs cell cycle progression, and can cause brain cells to die through programmed cell death pathways called apoptosis.
Studies suggest GSM radiation may interfere with brain cell function. Research found 900 MHz GSM frequencies disrupted normal brain cell division, activated stress response genes, and triggered cellular death mechanisms even at supposedly safe exposure levels.
Cell phone radiation appears to disrupt fundamental brain cell processes. Studies show 900 MHz exposure activates stress pathways, prevents normal cell division, and can trigger brain cell death by reducing protective proteins that normally prevent cellular suicide.
Phone radiation may pose cellular-level brain risks. Research indicates 900 MHz frequencies can activate stress genes in brain cells, disrupt normal cell growth cycles, and trigger programmed cell death, suggesting potential interference with healthy brain tissue function.