BORIS Theses

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Neuronal health in a wireless world: the role of PARP1 and 5G non-ionizing radiation in neuronal development

Baumgartner, Alexander (2024). Neuronal health in a wireless world: the role of PARP1 and 5G non-ionizing radiation in neuronal development. (Thesis). Universität Bern, Bern

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Abstract

The fifth generation (5G) of wireless technology, operating within non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic (RF-EMF) spectrum, has transformed connectivity while raising concerns about potential health effects, including neurodegeneration. Previous findings suggest that RF-EMF may impact neuronal function, oxidative stress, and DNA damage, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, the role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), a key enzyme in DNA repair, but also a player in neuronal development and neurodegeneration was investigated. In addition, effects of 5G radiation were studied in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) under development to dopaminergic neurons. PARP1 knockout (KO) monoclonal human iPSCs were successfully generated using CRISPR/Cas9. Both KO and wild-type (WT) cells were exposed to 5G RF-EMF during the induction phase, and protein analyses regarding phenotype neuronal maturity, synaptic plasticity, and appearance of astrocytes were performed after differentiation and maturation. The results showed a time-dependent increase in all investigated neuronal markers over time, indicating neuronal development. PARP1-KO significantly enhanced the dopaminergic phenotype. RF-EMF exposure resulted in alterations of the synaptic markers. These findings highlight PARP1 's role in dopaminergic differentiation and suggest limited effects of RF-EMF on neuronal development especially in synaptic plasticity.

Item Type: Thesis
Dissertation Type: Single
Date of Defense: 3 October 2024
Subjects: 600 Technology
600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health
Institute / Center: 05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health (DCR-VPH) > Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology
Depositing User: Sarah Stalder
Date Deposited: 12 Nov 2025 10:03
Last Modified: 12 Nov 2025 23:25
URI: https://boristheses.unibe.ch/id/eprint/6869

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