On the mechanism of the cell cycle control of suspension-cultured tobacco cells after exposure to static magnetic field

Abstract

One of the main sites of the magnetic fields influence on living cells is the cell cycle. The intensity of this influence however, varies depending on the cell type and the duration of the treatment. Suspension of cultured tobacco cells (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Barley 21) were synchronized via sucrose starvation at their stationary growth phase. The cells were then exposed to 0.2 m T SMF up to 24 h. The progression of different cell cycle phases was monitored through flow cytometry in a time course manner. Expression of cell cycle controlling genes and amounts of certain signaling molecules were measured as well. Exposure to SMF delayed G1.S transition which was accompanied by decrease of cyclin-dependent kinases A (CDK A) and D-type cyclin, but an increase in the adenylyl cyclase (AC), transcription factor E2F, retinoblastoma protein (Rbp), and CDK-inhibitor protein 21 (p21) transcript accumulation. Exposure to SMF also increased the contents of nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and salicylic acid (SA), compared to the control group. The results suggest a signaling pathway triggered by SMF starting from accumulation of NO and H₂O₂ followed by downstream events including the increase of cyclic nucleotides and subsequent decrease of both CDKA and CycD.

Keywords: Cell cycle progression; Magnetic field; Nicotiana tabacum; Nitric oxide; Salicylic acid.