Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on cell models

SANE

Health & Environment (SANE) Theme

The objective of SANE is to produce knowledge on the bioeffects of non-invasive, environmental magnetic and electromagnetic fields (extremely-mow frequency fields, radiofrequency fields) by performing a multidisciplinary, state of the art research, to provide its expertise in health risk assessment committees and to disseminate knowledge to the public.

In order to respond to societal concerns about the potential biological effects of electromagnetic fields, the research carried out explores the effects of their interaction with living matter, at different scales (molecular, cellular, animal).

The current activities are federated in particular around the development of the new mobile communication generation, i.e. the 5G and its possible effects on health and the development of molecular probes with possible applications in bioelectromagnetism and in pharmacology in general.

Detailed presentation of the research activities of the SANE team

SANE was primarily the bioelectromagnetism team of the bioelectronics group created in 1989 by the École Pratique des Hautes Études. The team has focused on the study of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields on animals and cells. It is made up of biologists and biophysicists, working closely with electronics engineers from the bioelectronics group. The research activity is dedicated to the theme ” health and environment “, in which the electromagnetic environment particularly concerns the “extremely-low frequencies” (ELF) fields and the “radiofrequencies” (RF) fields of wireless communications, to the mechanisms underlying these effects, at the biophysical, biochemical and biological levels. SANE is responsible for the Living platform of the IMS laboratory.

Potential therapeutic applications of pulsed electric fields are presented within the TIPS themes.

Over the last years, our research has gained from the implementation of new experiments operating in real time (cell impedance measurement, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer – BRET, holographic microscopy). Those tools were developed in particular within the former European project GeroNimO and within two maturation projects with the SATT Aquitaine as well as an ANR PRCE project in collaboration with a private partner, Domain Therapeutics https://www.domaintherapeutics.com/. In particular, BRET probes targeting ion channels are of interest to search potential effect of RF at the molecular level, but also for the screening of news drugs.

SANE research activity is clearly at the physical-biological interface with projects located at the research front. In biology, thanks to the advent of innovative BRET probes, we are now able to monitor the activity of various ion channel, such as TRPV1, with multiparametric assays [Ruigrok et al, 2017; Chappe et al., 2022]. In physics, the studies relate essentially to the design and production of exposure systems and their dosimetric characterization, in collaboration with the team of P. Lévêque at the XLIM laboratory in Limoges [Orlacchio et al, 2022].

The Living Platform

Our “unitary” group dynamic is largely structured around the thematic equipment hosted in the group’s premises, the Living Platform, supported by a CNRS IR recruited in 2018. In addition to the benefit for the group’s projects (on the 3 themes), this platform has already enabled new collaborations with other teams locally (in the laboratory, on the Bordeaux campus), nationally and even internationally.

While it makes possible to establish and sustain activities related to Bioelectromagnetism (Health & Environment Theme), since 2018, the activities of the Life Platform have increased and diversified, internally or in collaboration with other laboratories.

Here are some examples developed within the TIPS theme: in vitro models of cardiac fibrosis (THE.BIO.6) and muscle contraction (SMARSTIM inter-laboratory team) have been developed and validation of the bioelectronic sensor for glycemic control in rats (CBMN collaboration) is in progress.

SANE teams skills

Electromagnetism : experimental and numerical dosimetry for characterizating exposure setup

Cell cultures: primary cells, cell lines

Molecular and cellular biology : BRET, qPCR

Bioelectromagnetism : exposure of cells and rodents to electromagnetic fields

In vivo experiments

Flow cytometry

Partners

Collaborations and partners

For the various research projects underway, the IMS Bordeaux laboratory and its teams rely on strong partnerships and collaborations, which allow for the creation of a synergy of strengths and a sharing of technical and human resources