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Cortical waves mediate the cellular response to electric fields.

Qixin Yang1,2, Yuchuan Miao3, Leonard J Campanello1,2

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, United States.

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|March 23, 2022
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Electric fields guide cell migration by controlling biochemical waves and cytoskeletal activity. This electrotaxis mechanism, involving signal transduction waves, explains slower cellular responses compared to other guidance cues.

Keywords:
cell biologycell migrationdictyosteliumelectrotaxisnano-topographyphysics of living systems

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Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Electrotaxis, or directional cell migration in electric fields, is crucial for tissue regeneration and wound healing.
  • The mechanisms underlying electrotaxis share similarities and differences with chemical gradient sensing pathways.
  • Existing models suggest a role for excitable systems involving cortical waves and cytoskeletal reorganization in cell motility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of biochemical signaling waves in electrotaxis.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which electric fields guide cell behavior.
  • To understand the slower response dynamics of electrotaxis compared to other guidance cues.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized electro-fused giant *Dictyostelium discoideum* cells to decouple wave propagation from cell movement.
  • Employed nanotopographic surfaces to control the dimensions and lifetimes of cortical waves.
  • Applied constant electric fields and field reversals to observe cellular and wave responses.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that electric fields directly guide the propagation of cortical waves in *Dictyostelium* cells.
  • Observed an increase in wave area and lifetime upon electric field application, correlating with enhanced cell protrusions towards the cathode.
  • Documented 'U-turn' wave behavior upon electric field reversal, with faster switching observed on nanotopographic surfaces.

Conclusions:

  • Electric fields guide cell migration by modulating signal transduction and cytoskeletal activity waves, which drive cellular protrusions.
  • The primary effect of electric fields appears to be on the polarization of signaling pathways, contributing to the slower electrotaxis response.
  • Nanotopography can accelerate the cellular response to electric field reversals.