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Bioelectronics of The Cellular Cytoskeleton: Monitoring Cytoskeletal Conductance Variation for Sensing Drug
Milad Gharooni, Alireza Alikhani, Hassan Moghtaderi
1Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , Leiden University , 2311 EZ , Leiden , The Netherlands.
ACS Sensors
|December 22, 2018
Summary
This study introduces electrical measurements of the cell cytoskeleton. Microtubule and actin drugs alter breast cancer cell electrical resistance, offering new ways to grade cancer and test drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biophysics
- Cancer Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- The cellular cytoskeleton, composed of actin and microtubules, is crucial for cell structure, motility, and proliferation.
- Cytoskeletal alterations are linked to cancer progression, invasiveness, and altered cell mechanics.
- Changes in cytoskeletal organization can impact non-mechanical properties like electrical conductivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrical properties of breast cancer cells by measuring microtubule and actin networks.
- To monitor cellular electrical changes in response to anti-tubulin and anti-actin drugs.
- To establish a novel method for cancer grading and drug resistance assays based on cytoskeletal electrical function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized doped silicon nanowires as electrodes for precise electrical measurements.
- Applied microtubule-targeting drugs (Mebendazole, Paclitaxel) and actin-targeting drugs (Cytochalasin D, Phalloidin).
- Measured changes in electrical resistance of breast cancer cells after drug administration.
Main Results:
- Microtubules exhibit semiconductive behavior, while actin filaments show conductive properties.
- Anti-tubulin drugs induced varied electrical responses: Mebendazole decreased resistance, Paclitaxel increased it.
- Anti-actin drugs also altered resistance: Cytochalasin D increased resistance, Phalloidin decreased it.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated the principle of using cytoskeletal electrical properties to assess cancer cell characteristics.
- Showcased the potential of electrical measurements for cancer grading and evaluating drug efficacy.
- Highlighted the distinct bioelectrical responses of microtubule and actin networks to therapeutic agents.
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