Effects of magnetic fields on cell-free transcription in E-coli and HeLa extracts

We have previously shown that exposing an E. coli cell-free extract containing plasmids that express alpha or beta RNA polymerase to 72 Hz, 0.07-1.1 mT (rms) and 45 Hz, 1.1 mT sinusoidal magnetic fields enhanced the rate of expression (combined transcription and translation). The experiments reported here were designed to determine whether the enhanced expression at 45 Hz, 1.1 mT was a result of altered transcription. In addition, magnetic field effects on eukaryotic transcription was examined in a cell-free HeLa nuclear extract containing a c-myc plasmid. The analysis of MF-exposed and non-exposed E. coli transcription over 1, 3, 5 and 7 min only showed a statistically significant differences following 5 min exposure. A significant enhancement in mRNA transcription of c-myc was obtained in the HeLa nuclear extract at 5 and 7 min. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.