Small applied electric fields guide migration of hippocampal neurons

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Directed neuron migration is essential for central nervous system (CNS) development and repair.
• Endogenous electric fields (EFs) are present in developing and regenerating tissues and influence cell behaviors.
• The role of EFs in directing neuronal migration has not been previously investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether applied electric fields can direct the migration of hippocampal neurons.
• To determine the mechanism by which electric fields guide neuron migration.

Main Methods:

• Applied electric fields (EFs) to cultured rat hippocampal neurons.
• Observed and quantified neuron migration direction and speed.
• Utilized pharmacological inhibitors for Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K).

Main Results:

• An applied EF of 120 mV/mm directed hippocampal neuron migration toward the cathode.
• Reversing the EF polarity reversed the direction of neuron migration.
• Inhibition of ROCK and PI3K signaling pathways reduced the directedness and speed of EF-guided neuron migration.

Conclusions:

• Rat hippocampal neurons exhibit directed migration in response to applied electric fields.
• EF-guided neuron migration is dependent on ROCK and PI3K signaling.
• Electric fields present a potential tool for directing neuronal migration in CNS repair strategies.