Abstract

Overview

This study investigates whether magnetic fields (MFs) influence gene transcription through the CTCT motif in plant promoters, originally noted in human HSP70 promoter studies.

Methodology

• Analysis involved bioinformatics to identify CTCT sequences in promoters of potato Solanum tuberosum and thale cress Arabidopsis thaliana.
• Experimental studies evaluated gene expression changes in transgenic potatoes exposed to MFs, testing promoters with varying CTCT sequences.

Findings

The CTCT motif, clustered near transcription initiation sites, was prevalent across promoters but more densely packed in proximity to these sites. This suggested a potential for MFs to regulate genes with numerous CTCT motifs.

Conclusion

Despite extensive bioinformatics and empirical tests revealing CTCT motifs near transcription initiation sites, MF exposure did not influence gene expression in tested plant promoters. This indicates that, in these instances, CTCT motif does not mediate response to MFs.