Speaker
Description
In this research, we investigate potential effects and underlying mechanisms of 5G NR FR1 RF-EMF exposure on dopaminergic neurons during key stages of their development. We study effects of 5G NR FR1 on human induced pluripotent stem cells (hu-iPSC) as they develop into dopaminergic neurons. As poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase 1 (PARP1), an enzyme primarily known for its role in DNA repair, has been implicated in neurodegeneration, we generated PARP1 knockout (KO) iPSCs to further investigate its involvement. Wildtype (WT) and PARP1-KO cells were exposed at 1950 MHz at a SAR of 3.5 W/kg for 33 hours, with 10 minutes ON/OFF cycles or sham-exposed during the induction phase of neuronal development.
First results showed that suppressing PARP1 expression leads to an increase in the dopaminergic neuronal cell population and promotes neuronal maturation. 5G RF-EMF exposure led to promotion of synaptic formation in both WT and PARP1-KO cells, compared to sham-exposed cells. Also, a trend towards fewer astrocytes (glial cells that are important for defense and homeostasis of neurons) was observed in RF-EMF-exposed cells. No significant changes in cell death and activity of glial cells were found.
Our results indicate that PARP1 is involved in neuronal development. Therefore, comparing PARP1-KO and WT cells could help uncover mechanisms underlying the potential effects of 5G RF-EMF during early developmental stages.
