Static magnetic field regulates Arabidopsis root growth via auxin signaling

Genome-wide investigation of UDP-Glycosyltransferase family in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)

BACKGROUND

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) belongs to Polygonaceae family and has attracted increasing attention owing to its high nutritional value. UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) glycosylate a variety of plant secondary metabolites to control many metabolic processes during plant growth and development. However, there have been no systematic reports of UGT superfamily in F. tataricum.

RESULTS

We identified 173 FtUGTs in F. tataricum based on their conserved UDPGT domain. Phylogenetic analysis of FtUGTs with 73 Arabidopsis UGTs clustered them into 21 families. FtUGTs from the same family usually had similar gene structure and motif compositions. Most of FtUGTs did not contain introns or had only one intron. Tandem repeats contributed more to FtUGTs amplification than segmental duplications. Expression analysis indicates that FtUGTs are widely expressed in various tissues and likely play important roles in plant growth and development. The gene expression analysis response to different abiotic stresses showed that some FtUGTs were involved in response to drought and cadmium stress. Our study provides useful information on the UGTs in F. tataricum, and will facilitate their further study to better understand their function.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the functional characteristics of FtUGTs and for understanding the growth, development, and metabolic model in F. tataricum.

Using Magnetic Fields to Enhance the Seed Germination, Growth, and Yield of Plants

Geomagnetic field (GMF) protects living organisms on the Earth from the radiation coming from space along with other environmental factors during evolution, and it has affected the growth and development of plants. Many researchers have always been interested in investigating these effects in different aspects. In this chapter, we focus on the methods of using different types of magnetic fields (MFs) to investigate the dimensions of their biological effects on plants. The aim is to increase seed germination, growth characters, and yield of plants using the following methods: (1) Using MFs lower than GMF to study effects of GMF on the growth and yield of plants. (2) Using reversed magnetic fields (RMFs) lower than GMF to study its effects on the growth and development of plants during evolution. (3) Using static magnetic fields (SMFs) higher than GMF and reversed SMFs to study effects of the south (S) and north (N) magnetic pole on plants. (4) Using electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to increase and accelerate seed germination, growth, and yield of plants, and establish the status of plants against other environmental stresses. (5) Using magnetized water (MW) to improve plant seed germination, growth, and yield. (6) Using high gradient magnetic field (HGMF) to study magneto-tropism in plants. In this chapter, we recommend application of various types of MFs to study their biological effects on plants to improve crop production.

Impact of magnetic field on the translocation of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) in barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The effect and contribution of an external magnetic field (MF) on the uptake and translocation of nanoparticles (NPs) in plants have been investigated in this study. Barley was treated with iron oxide NPs (Fe3O4, 500 mg/L, 50-100 nm) and grown under various MF strengths (20, 42, 125, and 250 mT). The root-to-shoot translocation of NPs was assessed using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Additionally, plant phenological parameters, such as germination, protein and chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic and nutritional status, were examined. The results demonstrated that the external MF significantly enhances the uptake of NPs through the roots. The uptake was higher at lower MF strengths (20 and 42 mT) than at higher MF strengths (125 and 250 mT). The root and shoot iron (Fe) contents were approximately 2.5-3-fold higher in the 250 mT application compared to the control. Furthermore, the MF treatments significantly increased micro-elements such as Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, and B (P < 0.005). This effect could be attributed to the disruption of cell membranes at the root tip cells caused by both the MF and NPs. Moreover, the MF treatments improved germination rates by 28%, total protein content, and photosynthetic parameters. These findings show that magnetic field application helps the effective transport of magnetic NPs, which could be essential for NPs-mediated drug delivery, plant nutrition, and genetic transformation applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03727-4.

Static Magnetic Fields Protect against Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Toxicity

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used anti-cancer drugs that can effectively inhibit the growth of multiple types of cancer. However, its clinical application is limited by its severe side effects, especially kidney toxicity, caused by cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney cell apoptosis. Here, we found that moderate (a few hundred mT) quasi-uniform static magnetic fields (SMFs) could inhibit cisplatin-induced renal proximal tubular cell death, especially the vertically downward direction SMF. RNA-seq experiments demonstrate that SMFs induced differential gene expressions that are closely associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, cytokine production, transmembrane transport and DNA repair. In vivo experiments show that SMFs can reduce cisplatin-induced kidney injury in cisplatin-administrated tumor-bearing mice by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, high-dose cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity can be effectively alleviated by SMF treatment of as little as one day, which significantly reduced the reactive oxygen species levels in kidneys and prolonged the mice's survival. Moreover, the concentration of cisplatin in the kidney was significantly attenuated in SMF-treated mice. Therefore, our study demonstrates the effects of moderate SMFs as a novel physical method to reduce oxidative stress, and revealed their future potential to be used against cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity in cancer treatment.

What evidence exists of crop plants response to exposure to static magnetic and electromagnetic fields? A systematic map protocol

BACKGROUND

Increasing demand for food and concerns over the environmental impact of agriculture has prompted the search for alternatives to many conventional farming practices. Reports on exposing seeds and plants at various developmental stages to static magnetic field (SMF) and non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a form of priming indicate some positive effects on seed germinability, growth rate, resistance to stress conditions, and improved yield. However, there exist some inconsistent reported treatment protocols and contradictory study outcomes that make it difficult to draw objective conclusions on the potential use of SMF and EMF as sustainable alternatives to improving crop growth and yield. It is equally essential to understand any adverse effects of exposing plants to SMF and EMF considering the abundance of their sources in the environment. In order to provide a more coherent overview of how plants respond to exposure to SMF and EMF not only in their observed effects of agronomic importance but also in the mechanisms of action of SMF and EMF in plant cells, we prepare a systematic map.

METHODS

Literature will be identified by searching six bibliographic databases and three web-based search engines using terms obtained from the population, exposure, and outcome parameters of the research question. Primary research published in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature will be the source for the evidence map. Studies eligible for inclusion may involve: food crops and related research model plants exposed to SMF or non-ionizing EMF; treatment at all plant developmental stages excluding post-harvest improvement of food crops; and the presence of control groups. Eligible literature will be screened at the title, abstract, and full text levels. The validity of studies will not be critically appraised for the evidence map. A process of double extraction and coding of relevant information from eligible literature will be conducted. Within the evidence map, relevant data will be presented in the forms of text, graphs, tables, and figures. This will illustrate research trends, bring clarity to the evidence base concerning clusters of sufficient findings and areas of significant gaps, and inform stakeholders in decisions concerning research planning and policy formulation.

Growth alteration of Allium cepa L. roots exposed to 1.5 mT, 25 Hz pulsed magnetic field

The response of plants to magnetic fields (MF) is not fully understood. This work studies the effects of pulsed MF on the germination and growth of Allium cepa roots. Onions were exposed to 25Hz, 1.5mT, 33h. Pulsed MF was generated by a Helmholtz-type equipment that generated rectangular voltage pulses. The results showed that fewer roots grew in the specimens exposed to pulsed MF (14±6 roots on day 1 to 21±8 on day 4) than in the control groups (32±17 to 48±23) (p<0.05 Friedman). Control specimens showed a root mean length of 7±4 mm (day 1) and 24±10 mm (day 4). The specimens treated with pulsed MF showed a length of 4±2 mm (day 1), reaching 18±9 mm on day 4 (p<0.001 ANOVA). In conclusion, the exposure of Allium cepa specimens to 25Hz, 1.5mT pulsed MF during 33h produces a decrease in the germination and growth of roots.

The Static Magnetic Field Regulates the Structure, Biochemical Activity, and Gene Expression of Plants

The purpose of this paper is to review the scientific results and summarise the emerging topic of the effects of statistic magnetic field on the structure, biochemical activity, and gene expression of plants. The literature on the subject reports a wide range of possibilities regarding the use of the magnetic field to modify the properties of plant cells. MFs have a significant impact on the photosynthesis efficiency of the biomass and vigour accumulation indexes. Treating plants with SMFs accelerates the formation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. At the same time, the influence of MFs causes the high activity of antioxidant enzymes, which reduces oxidative stress. SMFs have a strong influence on the shape of the cell and the structure of the cell membrane, thus increasing their permeability and influencing the various activities of the metabolic pathways. The use of magnetic treatments on plants causes a higher content of proteins, carbohydrates, soluble and reducing sugars, and in some cases, lipids and fatty acid composition and influences the uptake of macro- and microelements and different levels of gene expression. In this study, the effect of MFs was considered as a combination of MF intensity and time exposure, for different varieties and plant species. The following article shows the wide-ranging possibilities of applying magnetic fields to the dynamics of changes in the life processes and structures of plants. Thus far, the magnetic field is not widely used in agricultural practice. The current knowledge about the influence of MFs on plant cells is still insufficient. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out detailed research for a more in-depth understanding of the possibilities of modifying the properties of plant cells and achieving the desired effects by means of a magnetic field.

GmWRKY81 Encoding a WRKY Transcription Factor Enhances Aluminum Tolerance in Soybean

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is an essential factor that adversely limits soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) growth in acid soils. WRKY transcription factors play important roles in soybean responses to abiotic stresses. Here, GmWRKY81 was screened from genes that were differentially expressed under Al treatment in Al-tolerant soybean Baxi10 and Al-sensitive soybean Bendi2. We found that GmWRKY81 was significantly induced by 20 μM AlCl3 and upregulated by AlCl3 treatment for 2 h. In different tissues, the expression of GmWRKY81 was differentially induced. In 0-1 cm root tips, the expression of GmWRKY81 was induced to the highest level. The overexpression of GmWRKY81 in soybean resulted in higher relative root elongation, root weight, depth, root length, volume, number of root tips and peroxidase activity but lower root average diameter, malonaldehyde and H2O2 contents, indicating enhanced Al tolerance. Moreover, RNA-seq identified 205 upregulated and 108 downregulated genes in GmWRKY81 transgenic lines. Fifteen of these genes that were differentially expressed in both AlCl3-treated and GmWRKY81-overexpressing soybean had the W-box element, which can bind to the upstream-conserved WRKY domain. Overall, the combined functional analysis indicates that GmWRKY81 may improve soybean Al tolerance by regulating downstream genes participating in Al3+ transport, organic acid secretion and antioxidant reactions.

The GA-DELLA-OsMS188 module controls male reproductive development in rice

Pollen protects male sperm and allows flowering plants to adapt to diverse terrestrial environments, thereby leading to the rapid expansion of plants into new regions. The process of anther/pollen development is coordinately regulated by internal and external factors including hormones. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying gibberellin (GA)-mediated male reproductive development in plants remain unknown. We show here that rice DELLA/SLR1, which encodes the central negative regulator of GA signaling, is essential for rice anther development. The slr1-5 mutant exhibits premature programmed cell death of the tapetum, lacks Ubisch bodies, and has no exine and no mature pollen. SLR1 is mainly expressed in tapetal cells and tetrads, and is required for the appropriate expression of genes encoding key factors of pollen development, which are suggested to be OsMS188-targeted genes. OsMS188 is the main component in the essential genetic program of tapetum and pollen development. Further, we demonstrate that SLR1 interacts with OsMS188 to cooperatively activate the expression of the sporopollenin biosynthesis and transport-related genes CYP703A3, DPW, ABCG15 and PKS1 for rapid formation of pollen walls. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the GA hormonal signal is integrated into the anther genetic program and regulates rice anther development through the GA-DELLA-OsMS188 module.

Static Magnetic Fields Reduce Oxidative Stress to Improve Wound Healing and Alleviate Diabetic Complications

Although some studies have shown that some static magnetic fields (SMFs) can promote wound healing in diabetic mice, it is not clear whether the other diabetes complications, such as liver disease and diabetic nephropathy, can also be alleviated. Here, we constructed two simple magnetic plates using neodymium permanent magnets to examine the comprehensive effects of moderate SMFs on genetically obese leptin receptor-deficient db/db diabetic mice. We found that although the blood glucose was not obviously reduced by these two SMF settings, both of the glycated serum protein (GSP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased (Cohen’s d = 2.57–3.04). Moreover, the wound healing, liver lipid accumulation, and renal defects were all significantly improved by SMF treatment (Cohen’s d = 0.91–2.05). Wound tissue examination showed obvious nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) level decrease (Cohen’s d = 2.49–5.40) and Ki-67 level increase (Cohen’s d = 2.30–3.40), indicating decreased oxidative stress and increased cell proliferation. In vitro cellular studies with fibroblast NIH3T3 cells showed that SMFs could reduce high glucose-induced NRF2 nucleus translocation (Cohen’s d = 0.87–1.15) and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation (Cohen’s d = 0.92), indicating decreased oxidative stress. Consequently, high glucose-induced impairments in cell vitality, proliferation, and migration were all improved by SMF treatment. Therefore, our results demonstrate that these simple SMF devices could effectively reduce oxidative stress in diabetic mice and may provide a cost-effective physical therapy strategy to alleviate multiple diabetic complications in the future.

Magnetic field effects on the magnetic properties, germination, chlorophyll fluorescence, and nutrient content of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The magnetic field (MF) interacts with biological systems and has the potential to increase germination, plant growth and productivity. Although it is known as a low cost and promising approach, the mechanism that increases growth is not fully understood yet. In this study, the effect of different MF strengths (20, 42, 125, and 250 mT) was investigated on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In addition to phenological parameters, possible cell damage, electron transport rate, chlorophyll fluorescence, magnetic character and elemental status of tissues were determined. Results showed that lower strengths (≤125 mT) of MF treatment improve germination. Confocal microscopy analyzes revealed MF-induced cell membrane damage in roots that could alter the elemental content of tissues. Elemental analyzes found that the content of macroelements (Ca, Mg, P, and K) are gradually reduced with increasing MF forces; in opposite the microelement contents (Fe, B, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Mo) are increased in roots. Diamagnetism is the dominant magnetic character in all root and leaf samples. However, the roots became surprisingly superparamagnetic in 250 mT application. It seems that MF treatment at higher strength (250 mT in this study) could influence the orientation of magnetic moments. These findings suggest that MF application: i) can alter the magnetic character of plants, ii) enhances the germination, photosynthetic machinery, and growth, and iii) affects the nutrient uptake and abundance in tissues, depending on the MF strength. This comprehensive study can help in understanding the interaction of magnetic field with plants.

An upward 9.4 T static magnetic field inhibits DNA synthesis and increases ROS-P53 to suppress lung cancer growth

Studies have shown that 9.4 Tesla (9.4 T) high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has obvious advantages in improving image resolution and capacity, but their safety issues need to be further validated before their clinical approval. Meanwhile, emerging experimental evidences show that moderate to high intensity Static Magnetic Fields (SMFs) have some anti-cancer effects. We examined the effects of two opposite SMF directions on lung cancer bearing mice and found when the lung cancer cell-bearing mice were treated with 9.4 T SMFs for 88 h in total, the upward 9.4 T SMF significantly inhibited A549 tumor growth (tumor growth inhibition=41%), but not the downward 9.4 T SMF. In vitro cellular analysis shows that 9.4 T upward SMF treatment for 24 h not only inhibited A549 DNA synthesis, but also significantly increased ROS and P53 levels, and arrested G2 cell cycle. Moreover, the 9.4 T SMF-treatments for 88 h had no severe impairment to the key organs or blood cell count of the mice. Our findings demonstrated the safety of 9.4 T SMF long-term exposure for their future applications in MRI, and revealed the anti-cancer potential of the upward direction 9.4 T SMF.

Differential root and shoot magnetoresponses in Arabidopsis thaliana

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is one of the environmental stimuli that plants experience continuously on Earth; however, the actions of the GMF on plants are poorly understood. Here, we carried out a time-course microarray experiment to identify genes that are differentially regulated by the GMF in shoot and roots. We also used qPCR to validate the activity of some genes selected from the microarray analysis in a dose-dependent magnetic field experiment. We found that the GMF regulated genes in both shoot and roots, suggesting that both organs can sense the GMF. However, 49% of the genes were regulated in a reverse direction in these organs, meaning that the resident signaling networks define the up- or downregulation of specific genes. The set of GMF-regulated genes strongly overlapped with various stress-responsive genes, implicating the involvement of one or more common signals, such as reactive oxygen species, in these responses. The biphasic dose response of GMF-responsive genes indicates a hormetic response of plants to the GMF. At present, no evidence exists to indicate any evolutionary advantage of plant adaptation to the GMF; however, plants can sense and respond to the GMF using the signaling networks involved in stress responses.

A Static Magnetic Field Improves Iron Metabolism and Prevents High-Fat-Diet/Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder with high prevalence and severe complications that has recently been indicated to be treatable by a combined static magnetic field (SMF) and electric field. We systematically compared four types of SMFs and found that a downward SMF of ∼100 mT could effectively reduce the development of hyperglycemia, fatty liver, weight gain, and tissue injury in high-fat-diet (HFD)/streptozocin-induced T2D mice, but not the upward SMF. The downward SMF markedly restored the Bacteroidetes population and reversed the iron complex outer membrane receptor gene reduction in the mice gut microbiota, and reduced iron deposition in the pancreas. SMF also reduced the labile iron and reactive oxygen species level in pancreatic Min6 cells in vitro and prevented palmitate-induced Min6 cell number reduction. Therefore, this simple SMF setting could partially prevent HFD-induced T2D development and ameliorate related symptoms, which could provide a low-cost and non-invasive physical method to prevent and/or treat T2D in the future.

Effect of static magnetic field on DNA synthesis: The interplay between DNA chirality and magnetic field left-right asymmetry

Interactions between magnetic fields (MFs) and living cells may stimulate a large variety of cellular responses to a MF, while the underlying intracellular mechanisms still remain a great puzzle. On a fundamental level, the MF - cell interaction is affected by the two broken symmetries: (a) left-right (LR) asymmetry of the MF and (b) chirality of DNA molecules carrying electric charges and subjected to the Lorentz force when moving in a MF. Here we report on the chirality-driven effect of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on DNA synthesis. This newly discovered effect reveals how the interplay between two fundamental features of symmetry in living and inanimate nature-DNA chirality and the inherent features of MFs to distinguish the left and right-manifests itself in different DNA synthesis rates in the upward and downward SMFs, consequently resulting in unequal cell proliferation for the two directions of the field. The interplay between DNA chirality and MF LR asymmetry will provide fundamental knowledge for many MF-induced biological phenotypes.