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Electrical control of calcium oscillations in mesenchymal stem cells using microsecond pulsed electric fields
Hanna Hanna1, Franck M Andre1, Lluis M Mir2
1Vectorology and Anticancer Therapies, UMR 8203, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, PR2, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif Cédex, France.
Stem Cell Research & Therapy
|April 21, 2017
Summary
Researchers can now control calcium oscillations in human mesenchymal stem cells using microsecond electric pulses. This technique allows for regulating cell functions like proliferation and differentiation, crucial for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are vital for regenerative medicine due to their differentiation potential.
- Spontaneous calcium (Ca2+) oscillations in hMSCs regulate essential functions like proliferation and differentiation.
- Controlling these Ca2+ oscillations could offer a method to regulate hMSC biological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of microsecond electric pulses to control Ca2+ oscillations in hMSCs.
- To determine if electric pulses can mimic or inhibit spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations.
- To assess the viability of hMSCs after electric pulse treatment.
Main Methods:
- Human adipose mesenchymal stem cells were loaded with Fluo-4 AM.
- Cells were subjected to one or more 100 μs electric pulses under a fluorescence microscope.
- Cell viability was assessed after electric pulse application.
Main Results:
- Electric pulses could induce Ca2+ spikes by facilitating extracellular Ca2+ entry.
- The amplitude of electric pulses determined whether Ca2+ oscillations were enhanced or inhibited.
- Subsequent electric pulses could impose desired Ca2+ oscillation patterns, and no loss of cell viability was observed.
Conclusions:
- Microsecond electric pulses provide a controllable method to regulate Ca2+ oscillations in hMSCs.
- This technique allows for the cancellation or addition of Ca2+ spikes, mimicking natural oscillations.
- This simple technology can be used to further explore the role of Ca2+ in hMSC proliferation and differentiation.