The aim of this study was to investigate gene and protein responses to RFR exposure. A human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, was used. The cells were exposed to RFR simulating the GSM 1800 signal. For gene analysis the cells were exposed or sham-exposed intermittently (5 minutes on/10 minutes off) for 24 hours at an average SAR of 2 W/kg, or at 3.5 W/kg. For protein analysis, the cells were either continuously or intermittently (5 minutes on/10 minutes off) exposed or sham-exposed at a SAR of 3.5 W/kg for 24, 12, 6, 3, and 1hour respectively. The temperature in the incubator was carefully controlled at 37 ± 0.1°C.

The gene analysis identified a small number of genes that were changed after RFR exposure, but further investigation revealed that these changes could not be confirmed by real-time RT-PCR assay. Protein analysis similarly did not reveal consistent changes.

The authors concluded:
"Overall, the present study does not provide convincing evidence that RF EMF exposure under current experimental conditions can produce distinct effects on gene and protein expression in the MCF-7 cells".