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Elizabeth K. Balcor-Kubiczek, PhD
Univ. of Maryland at Baltimore, Department of Radiation Oncology, 655 W.
Baltimore Street, 6-015 Bressler Research Building, Baltimore, MD
21201
Phone: 410-706-7133; FAX: 410-706-7133
We will test the hypothesis that extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) action on cells has genetic components associated with cancer. Accordingly, this proposal has two aims: (1) we will provide detailed characterization of the transcriptional response of cultured human cells (HL-60 and MCF-7). In studies proposed for this aim, we will investigate messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of c-myc, c-fos, wildtype p53, wild-type p53-activated fragment 1 (WAF-1) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) genes at several patterns of exposure and post-exposure times using Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). (2) We will study differential gene expression in HL-60 and MCF-7 cells using similar exposure conditions as for aim 1. We have developed a novel technique for rapid screening and isolation of differentially expressed genes. In contrast to differential or subtractive hybridization technique, which preferentially detects genes belonging to the abundant class of genes, our technique can detect genes in both abundant and scarce classes. This technique is now routinely used to compare genes involved in malignant progression in human esophageal cancer. The proposed studies in aim 1 will include cells, ELF EMF exposure conditions and end points previously investigated and published by others, and will establish our laboratory baseline for the remaining studies. We will use only the established and proven molecular methods as well as an existing ELF EMF exposure system, which has been constructed, characterized, and used in the currently funded research.