Precision knockdown of EGFR gene expression using radio frequency electromagnetic energy

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the radio frequency energy (RFE) range can affect cells at the molecular level. Here we report a technology that can record the specific RFE signal of a given molecule, in this case the siRNA of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We demonstrate that cells exposed to this EGFR siRNA RFE signal have a 30–70% reduction of EGFR mRNA expression and ~60% reduction in EGFR protein expression vs. control treated cells. Specificity for EGFR siRNA effect was confirmed via RNA microarray and antibody dot blot array. The EGFR siRNA RFE decreased cell viability, as measured by Calcein-AM measures, LDH release and Caspase 3 cleavage, and increased orthotopic xenograft survival. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that an RFE signal can induce a specific siRNA-like effect on cells. This technology opens vast possibilities of targeting a broader range of molecules with applications in medicine, agriculture and other areas.