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Updated: May 30, 2026
13:20
Detection of Mitochondria Membrane Potential to Study CLIC4 Knockdown-induced HN4 Cell Apoptosis In Vitro
Published on: July 17, 2018
[Effects of electric pulses on liver cancer cells: apoptosis induction and decrease of mitochondrial transmembrane
Jie Cheng1, Liling Tang, Deyou Xiao
1Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
Summary
Electric pulses can induce cancer cell apoptosis, with longer exposure times increasing the effect. Tumor cells are more sensitive to electric pulses than normal cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Context:
- Investigating novel cancer treatment modalities.
- Understanding cellular responses to physical stimuli.
- Exploring apoptosis induction mechanisms in cancer cells.
Purpose:
- To determine the efficacy of electric pulses in inducing apoptosis in HepG2 and L02 cancer cells.
- To analyze the dose-dependent relationship between electric pulse duration and cancer cell apoptosis.
- To investigate the role of mitochondrial transmembrane potential in electric pulse-induced apoptosis.
Summary:
- HepG2 and L02 cells were exposed to electric pulses (1 kV/cm, 100 µs, 1 Hz) for varying durations (8s, 15s, 30s, 60s).
- Apoptosis was induced at stimulation times of 15s and longer, with increased apoptosis percentage correlating with longer exposure.
- Tumor cells exhibited higher sensitivity to electric pulses compared to normal cells, and mitochondrial pathway involvement was suggested by changes in mitochondrial transmembrane potential.
Impact:
- Establishes electric pulses as a potential method for inducing cancer cell apoptosis.
- Highlights the differential sensitivity of tumor versus normal cells to electric pulses.
- Provides insights into the biophysical mechanisms underlying electric pulse-induced cell death, particularly the mitochondrial pathway.
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