Electric fields regulate cellular elasticity through intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Cellular elasticity is crucial for physiological and pathological processes.
• Cell elasticity serves as a potential biomarker for cellular state.
• External stimuli, including electric fields (EFs), can modify cellular elasticity, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of electric fields (EFs) on human dermal fibroblast elasticity.
• To elucidate the mechanism by which EFs alter cellular elasticity, focusing on actin polymerization.

Main Methods:

• Human dermal fibroblasts were subjected to electric field (EF) stimulation (50 mV/mm).
• Cellular elasticity was measured over time (0–120 min).
• Intracellular calcium levels, gelsolin activation, and F-actin content were analyzed.

Main Results:

• EF stimulation significantly increased cellular elasticity compared to controls.
• Elasticity peaked at 30 minutes and then decreased, but remained elevated.
• EFs induced changes in intracellular Ca2+, leading to gelsolin activation and altered F-actin content.

Conclusions:

• Electric fields modulate human dermal fibroblast elasticity through a mechanism involving actin polymerization.
• EF-induced changes in intracellular calcium are key to activating gelsolin and altering F-actin dynamics.
• This study demonstrates a novel pathway through which external electrical stimulation regulates cellular mechanical properties.