Effects of 3.5 GHz RF-EMF on TRPM8 Ion Channel: A Computational Study
In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring the biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), driven by the widespread adoption of 5G technologies. Previous studies suggest that RF-EMF exposure may modulate thermo-sensitive receptors, such as transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels. TRPM8, a key member of this channel family, plays a crucial role in thermosensation and cellular signaling, making it an important target for investigating these effects. However, direct structural analysis of these interactions requires sophisticated and costly techniques. Molecular dynamics simulations present a powerful tool to study possible molecular conformational changes induced by external stimuli, complementing experimental research while reducing the need for expensive laboratory methods. This study employs molecular simulations to investigate the interaction of a 3.5 GHz RF-EMF with the TRPM8 ion channel embedded in hydrated lipid bilayer. The results suggest that RFEMF exposure may modulate the conformational ensemble of TRPM8, potentially influencing its functional properties. These preliminary findings highlight the need for further investigation into the biological effects of RF-EMF exposure, particularly in the context of emerging 5G technologies.
Authors
- Federico Del Signore
- Laura Caramazza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9304-3477)
- Micaela Liberti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7494-2696)
- Marracino Paolo
- Carmen Pisano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5446-5772)
- Ludovica Ferri
- Noemi Alvieri
- Francesca Apollonio
Institutions
- RISEBA University of Applied Sciences (LV)
- Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Publication Details
- Published
- 2025-09-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1109/iceaa65662.2025.11305304
- Primary Topic
- Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00