Exposure to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field only slightly modifies the proteome of Chromobacterium violaceumATCC 12472.

Rafael A Baraúna,Adriano M C Pimenta,Daniel M Santos,Maria P.C Schneider,Diego A Graças,Rubens Ghilardi Júnior,Agenor V Santos,Artur Silva,Marta S P Carepo

doi:10.1590/s1415-4757382220140240

Abstract

Several studies of the physiological responses of different organisms exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been described. In this work, we report the minimal effects of in situ exposure to ELF-EMF on the global protein expression of Chromobacterium violaceum using a gel-based proteomic approach. The protein expression profile was only slightly altered, with five differentially expressed proteins detected in the exposed cultures; two of these proteins (DNA-binding stress protein, Dps, and alcohol dehydrogenase) were identified by MS/MS. The enhanced expression of Dps possibly helped to prevent physical damage to DNA. Although small, the changes in protein expression observed here were probably beneficial in helping the bacteria to adapt to the stress generated by the electromagnetic field.

Highlights

Various biological effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) (< 0.05 mT) in living organisms have been reported (Berg, 1999; Fojt et al, 2004)
There is a growing investment in projects related to the generation of electricity through natural sources such as hydroelectric power plants (HPP) that require an extensive network of urban and rural transmission lines that generate ELFEMF
Proteomics provides a useful means of detecting changes in global protein expression and generates crucial information for the identification of new biological targets after exposure to ELF-EMF

Summary

Introduction

Various biological effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) (< 0.05 mT) in living organisms have been reported (Berg, 1999; Fojt et al, 2004). Proteomics provides a useful means of detecting changes in global protein expression and generates crucial information for the identification of new biological targets after exposure to ELF-EMF

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Results

Conclusion