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Updated: Sep 28, 2025

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Direct Current Electric Field Coordinates the Migration of BV2 Microglia via ERK/GSK3β/Cofilin Signaling Pathway

Yuxiao Ma1,2, Chun Yang1,2, Qian Liang3

  • 1Brain Injury Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China.

Molecular Neurobiology
|April 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that direct current electric fields (DCEF) induce directional migration in BV2 microglia, a key immune cell in the central nervous system (CNS). This electrotaxis is regulated by the ERK/GSK3β/cofilin signaling pathway, offering new therapeutic avenues for CNS diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Direct current electric fields (DCEF) are known to influence neural cell migration.
  • Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), have not been previously studied for their response to electric fields (electrotaxis).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether BV2 microglia exhibit electrotaxis under DCEF.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms governing microglia migration in response to electric fields.

Main Methods:

  • Application of DCEF to in vitro BV2 microglia cultures.
  • Transcriptome analysis to identify affected signaling pathways.
  • Pharmacological and genetic manipulation of key signaling molecules (ERK, GSK3β, cofilin).

Main Results:

  • BV2 microglia demonstrated directional migration towards the cathode in a DCEF strength-dependent manner.
  • Transcriptome analysis revealed significant alterations in mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades.
  • The ERK/GSK3β/cofilin signaling pathway was identified as crucial for DCEF-mediated microglia migration, involving F-actin redistribution.

Conclusions:

  • This study establishes the electrotaxis of BV2 microglia.
  • The ERK/GSK3β/cofilin pathway is essential for regulating microglia directional migration under DCEF.
  • Findings provide novel insights into microglia behavior and potential therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders.
Keywords:
Cell migrationDirect current electric fieldERK/GSK3β/cofilin axisElectrotaxisMicroglia

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