Molecular effects of exposure to electromagnetic waves
More and more applications and technologies use electromagnetic waves and some emerging applications use new frequencies whose harmlessness has not yet been demonstrated. Our objective is to evaluate the potential effects of these new frequencies on health by in vitro and in vivo approaches. The frequencies of interest are mainly focused on the millimeter waves used in telecommunications, but we have also worked on projects centered on the low frequencies generated by high voltage lines, or on the intermediate frequencies used in power transfer systems. wireless energy. This research work is done in collaboration with the Institute of Electronics and Digital Technologies (IETR) in Rennes. Electronics engineers develop exposure systems whose dosimetry and modeling are carried out in order to control the exposure parameters. Our group contributes its know-how in biology. By combining in vitro and in vivo experiments, we seek to assess the effects of exposure to electromagnetic waves on gene expression, genome integrity, and the modification of metabolic cell markers. Through different screens, we seek to identify biomarkers, genes and metabolic pathways that respond to electromagnetic waves. The identification of novel targets will allow us to better define the mechanisms governing the interactions between waves and living beings and to better evaluate the potential risks related to the use of these waves in our daily life.
Project leader: Yves le Dréan
Participants: Catherine Martin
Relevant publications: PubMed
Funding: Inserm | Université de Rennes 1 | ANSES
Public relations: Inserm YouTube Channel
Collaborations: M. Zhadobov and D. Rondeau (IETR Rennes); R. Peudeux (INSERM U1242 Rennes); G. Thuroczy (National Public Health Institute, Budapest, Hungary); N. Foray (INSERM UA8, Lyon); D. Crouzier (Remedee, Grenoble).
Molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of antiproliferative drugs
How anti-cancer drugs work and why cancer cells become resistant to their cytotoxic effects are important questions in the field of molecular oncology. A major approach to rendering chemotherapy more effective is by combining drugs in a way that enhances their cytotoxicity without causing intolerable side effects. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used anti-cancer drug that acts via DNA- and RNA-dependent mechanisms, notably by inhibiting the activities of TYMS (Thymidylate Synthetase) and the conserved 3’-5’ exoribonuclease EXOSC10/Rrp6. Kaempferol is a bioflavonoid with anti-proliferative and biphasic estrogenic/anti-estrogenic activities. Both drugs are clinically relevant for the treatment of breast cancer. Kaempferol enhances the toxicity of 5-FU and renders malignant cells resistant against the drug sensitive again. We seek to gain insights into molecular mechanisms underlying combinatorial drug action. The results may ultimately help identify prognostic biomarkers and innovative targets for 5-FU and Kaempferol-based anti-cancer therapies.
Project leaders: Michael Primig
Participant: Nagham Aasi, Florence Demay, Gilles Flouriot, Frédéric Percevault, Yann Le Page
Relevant publications: PubMed
Funding: Inserm | Université de Rennes 1 | La Ligue Contre le Cancer
Collaborations: Antonin Morillon (Institut Curie, Paris, France); Céline Keime (GenomEast, IGBMC, Strasbourg, France).
