The electromagnetic field as a modulator of a protein activity, and the resonant recognition model

In this study, it was experimentally proved, for the first time, that it is possible to predict the frequency of electromagnetic radiation that can modulate activity of proteins and more specifically activity of enzymes. The prediction was obtained using the computational model so called the Resonant Recognition Model (RRM). The model was tested here experimentally using the reaction catalysed with the enzyme l-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The RRM model was applied to the group of the enzymes belonging to the sub-subclass EC 1.1.1.27 i.e. l-lactate dehydrogenase. The wavelengths of the electro magnetic radiation calculated by the RRM and proposed to alternate activity of l-lactate dehydrogenate were identified at =620 25 nm and =840 25 nm. Enzyme activity was then measured after the exposure to the low-intensity, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) within the proposed EMR range [560-860 nm]. The experimental results have indeed shown that there is a significant increase in the activity of LDH only after irradiation within the range of the frequencies predicted by the RRM: 596nm (12%; P less than 0.001) and 829 nm (11.8%, P less than 0.001). These results prove successfully that activity of proteins and more specifically enzymes could be modified by EMR radiation of specific frequencies and even more that RRM computational model can successfully predict these frequencies

Non-thermal effects of 500 MHz-900MHz microwave radiation on enzyme kinetics

Enzymes are essential for the catalysis of biochemical reactions and in the regulation of metabolic pathways. They function by greatly accelerating the rate of specific chemical reactions that would otherwise be slow. It has been shown that extremely low-power microwaves can influence enzyme activity [1¿5]. This study is focused at investigating the effects of low level microwave exposures ranging from 500MHz to 900MHz on L-Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activity. The results obtained revealed the increased bioactivity of the LDH upon microwave radiation at two particular frequencies 500MHz and 900MHz

Investigation of the mechanisms of electromagnetic field interaction with proteins

In our earlier work we have proposed that protein activation is electromagnetic in its nature. This prediction is based on the resonant recognition model (RRM) where proteins are analyzed using digital signal processing (DSP) methods applied to the distribution of free electron energies along the protein sequence. This postulate is investigated here by applying the electromagnetic radiation to example of L-lactate dehydrogenase protein and its biological activity is measured before and after the exposures. The concepts presented would lead to the new insights into proteins susceptibility to perturbation by exposure to electromagnetic fields and possibility to program, predict, design and modify proteins and their bioactivit

Hybrid approach to analysis of beta-sheet structures based on signal processing and statistical consideration

A number of biotechnology applications are based on protein design. For this design, the relationship between a proteins primary structure and its conformation is of vital importance. A beta-sheet is a common feature of a proteins two-dimensional structure; therefore, elucidating the principles governing beta-sheet structure and its stability is critical for understanding the protein-folding process. In the three-dimensional representation of protein molecules, C(alpha) carbon coordinates (carbon atom immediately adjacent to the carboxylate group) have often been employed instead of the complete set of coordinates for the corresponding residues. Using the C(alpha) carbon coordinates, we showed that particular amino acids are not randomly distributed within a beta-sheet structure. On the basis of a new statistical approach for the analysis of a spatial distribution of amino acids in a protein, presented by their physico-chemical parameters, the electron-ion interaction potential (EIIP) and hydrophobicity, are described here. The relationship between amino acid positions inside the beta-sheet and the EIIP and hydrophobicity parameters was established. The correlation between amino acid propensities related to the beta-sheet was examined using multiple cross-spectra analysis. We also applied the continuous wavelet transform for the analysis of selected beta-sheet structures using the EIIP and hydrophobicity parameters. The findings provide new insight into conformational propensities of amino acids for the adaption of beta-sheet structures

Effects of low power microwaves at 1.8, 2.1, and 2.3 GHz on l-Lactic dehydrogenase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes

Radiofrequency/microwave (RF/MW) radiation has been integrated in almost every aspect of today's modern life and applied in radar, telecommunication systems, health/medical devices, and food sterilization technology. However, the increasing rate of exposures to RF/MW radiation, especially exposures from mobile phones, has raised health concerns and stimulated much research into biological and health effects of low power MWs. The heating effect of the MWs is already well known and documented; however, a doubt remains on the existence of non-thermal biological effects. This study evaluates the effects of low power MWs on kinetics of l-Lactic dehydrogenase and Glutathione peroxidase enzymes irradiated at the frequencies of 1.8, 2.1, and 2.3 GHz and power of 10dBm using the commercial Transverse Electro-Magnetic cell. The selected frequencies are used frequently in G4 and G5 mobile networks. The findings reveal that MWs at the studied parameters induce changes in the enzymes' kinetics, which lead to modulation of rate of change in corresponding reactions these enzymes catalyze

The effects of low power microwaves at 500 MHz and 900 MHz on yeast cells growth

In the last few decades, the use of microwave radiation has greatly increased in radar and communication systems, food-processing technology and medical ¯eld. Development of consumer and medical microwave devices for clinical diagnosis and therapy has also prompted widespread interest and stimulated much research into the mechanisms of interaction between microwave radiation and living matter. Two types of e®ects can be ascribed to microwaves, i.e., thermal and non-thermal. Non-thermal biological e®ects are measurable changes in biological systems that may or may not be associated with adverse health e®ects. It was shown that low power microwaves can a®ect enzymes activities. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in putative non-thermal e®ects. One hypothesis is that low power microwave radiation can induce dipole oscillations in a protein's active site and thus, can alter its function. This study evaluates the e®ect of low power microwave radiation on the proliferation rate of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains type II, which were exposed to the microwaves at the frequencies of 500MHz and 900MHz and the selected powers of 0 dBm, 10 dBm, ¡10 dBm, 13 dBm, ¡13 dBm, 17dBm and ¡17dBm using the Transverse Electro-Magnetic (TEM) cell. The average speci¯c absorption rate (SAR) for a single cell was 0.12 W/kg. SAR was calculated by averaging the individual parameters of the cell components in accordance with their volume fraction in live cells. A comparative analysis of changes in the proliferation rate of the irradiated vs. non- radiated yeast cells was performed for the selected frequencies and powers, with the results being presented and discussed

Evaluating the effects of non-thermal microwave exposures on the proliferation response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast

This study evaluates the effect of non-thermal weak radiofrequency microwave (RF/MW) radiation on the proliferation response of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. S. cerevisiae strains type II (Sigma) were exposed to the microwaves at 900MHz and the selected powers of 13dBm, 3dBm and -7dBm using the Transverse Electro-Magnetic (TEM) cell. The average specific absorption rate (SAR) for a single cell was 0.12 W/kg. SAR was calculated by averaging the individual parameters of the cell components in accordance with their volume fraction in live cells. In these experiments yeast cells were continuously exposed to the MW radiation. Changes in yeast culture growth were monitored using the spectrophotometry method. Measurements of the yeast cells' growth in control (shamexposed) vs. irradiated samples were performed. Experimental data were collected and statistically analyzed. The results revealed that the rate of yeast growth was increased at the MW exposures at 900MHz and powers of 13dBm and 3dBm

Rational computational approaches to studying inhibition and activation of metalloproteinase enzymes using signal processing techniques

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes, characterised by their ability to degrade a extracellular matrix. They are involved in many different physiological cellular processes and are also associated with tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. MMPs are regarded as the prognostic biomarkers in various types of cancer, and are promising targets for cancer therapy. In this article we present and discuss two related computational approaches, i.e. the Resonant Recognition Model (RRM) and Smoothed Pseudo Wigner Ville distribution (SPWV), employed for analysis of structure-function relationships between different MMPs. In addition, we studied the activation and inhibition of MMPs by analysing their mutual interactions with serine proteases and metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPI). The findings revealed that the applied RRM approach is an efficient tool for the computational analysis of the functional activities of MMPs. The results obtained clearly showed that the SPWV can be used successfully for prediction of the active/binding sites within a selected MMP protein sequence

Investigation in wireless power transmission for UAV charging

This paper proposes application of wireless power transfer for charging of electric-powered Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV)s. Multi-rotor systems, such as quadrotors, are light-weight and easy to operate. They are available in different sizes and with the wide range of capabilities. The main limitation of electric-powered UAVs is their range and endurance, due the limited battery capacity. Increasing battery system size is not a viable solution as its weight becomes a limiting factor. Supercapacitors are not an option, because of their low energy density. An alternative is to recharge UAV on the job, using wireless energy transfer (WET). WET was originally investigated by Nikola Tesla in the beginning of the 20th century. His patents are now common ground for any power transmission technology research, both wired and wireless. Investigations in resonance-based wireless energy transfer promise efficient wireless power transmission over several meters. This offers an ability to recharge moving vehicles, such as cars, trains and UAVs, wirelessly. For example, this technology can be applied to extend the range of UAVs used for the inspection of power transmission lines and towers. Presented project investigate capabilities and limitations of the wireless power transmission, for particular UAV application, i.e. for the infrastructure inspections

Computational analysis of ataxin proteins: new insight into their functional performance and ataxia development

Ataxia is a neurological sign and symptom characterized by lack of coordination of muscle movement that is due to dysfunction of the parts of the nervous system, such as motor control of the cerebellum. Although the cause of the dysfunction varies from mutations in channels for potassium and/or calcium to progressive degeneration of cerebellar tissue-specific neurons, the neurological signs and symptoms of ataxia are similar. The treatment of ataxia and its effectiveness depend on the underlying cause, and it could be managed by pharmacological treatments and through physical therapy and occupational therapy. The treatment may ameliorate the signs of ataxia, but it is not likely to eliminate them entirely. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the causes, symptoms and treatments on ataxia