Effects of power line (60 Hz) electromagnetic fields on protein phosphorylation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Epidemiological studies have suggested that 60 Hz AC electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by power lines might play a role in the increased incidence of certain human cancers, especially in children. Previous studies with human cells indicate that one molecular mechanism may involve differential effects on protein phosphorylation. The aim of this thesis was to determine whether 60 HZ EMF also affect phosphorylation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which has been developed into a paradigm for molecular biologists. The data presented in this thesis show that protein phosphorylation is indeed altered in yeast in response to 60 Hz EMF. This work validates yeast as an experimental model for more in depth investigation of the molecular and genetic basis of this response. Insight gained from these studies should shed light on the interaction of power line EMF with human cells and its possible role in development of human cancers.