Projects

The second phase of 5G deployment exploits electromagnetic waves (EW) at high frequency, the so-called millimetre-waves (Frequency Range 2 (FR2) from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). Whether and how these wavelengths could impact developing organisms is poorly known. In this project, we propose to test the impact of 5G FR2 EW on the formation of a sensory organ (SO) in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster and more specifically to analyse their effect on genome stability. The development of Drosophila SO is particularly appropriate for this study as it is very simple, starting from one cell that, after three rounds of cell division, gives 4 terminal cells including a neuron, the whole taking only a few hours. Hence, it is possible to film and analyse at the cellular level the whole development of these organs. The genome is organized in two main domains defined as euchromatin and constitutive heterochromatin (chet). Chet, which is very compact, plays a major role in maintaining genome structure and stability. Chet is highly dynamic during development and is affected by environmental factors such as heavy metal and temperature. The formation of the Drosophila SO was also shown to be sensitive to environmental factors (temperature) and controlled partly by chet. Indeed, genetic perturbation of chet induces the formation of ectopic SO. We thus plan to follow and compare genome organization through visualization of chet during the development of a SO in control conditions and under exposure to FR2 range EW. In addition, we will analyse whether the effect observed could result from EW induced temperature rise. Depending on the results, we will test whether the effect of EW on the formation of these organs is enhanced or reduced by chet perturbation.

Cette étude s'inscrit dans un ambitieux programme de recherche multidisciplinaire \"AIR HOPITAL\" ayant fait l'objet d'une candidature dans le cadre d'un appel à projet de l'ANR (programme MIE). Ce vaste programme propose de développer de nouveaux outils pour mieux connaître (Développement d?une chambre d?essai en taille réelle) et de mieux lutter contre les agents pathogènes véhiculés par l?air (Explorations cliniques de la décontamination aérienne). Plus largement, les avancées liées à ce programme pourront s'appliquer à d'autres environnements (lieux publics, environnement domestique de personnes fragilisées, industrie agro-alimentaire). Nous effectuons une demande supplémentaire dans le cadre d?un appel à projet de l?AFSSET Les objectifs de l?étude sont : 1) Etudier la qualité de l?air (microbiologique et chimique) en milieu hospitalier 2) Améliorer les connaissances microbiologiques et environnementales de la contamination microbienne aéroportée