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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Galvanotaxis Assay for Analysis of Neural Precursor Cell Migration Kinetics in an Externally Applied Direct Current Electric Field

A Galvanotaxis Assay for Analysis of Neural Precursor Cell Migration Kinetics in an Externally Applied Direct Current Electric Field

Published on: October 13, 2012

Direct-Current Electrical Field Stimulation of Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Falko Lange¹, Katrin Porath¹, Tina Sellmann¹

¹Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.

|July 29, 2023

Summary

Direct-current electrical fields can guide colorectal cancer cell migration, a process termed galvanotaxis. This cellular response involves voltage-gated calcium channels and specific signaling pathways like AKT and MEK.

Keywords:

PI3K/AKT pathway Raf/MEK/ERK pathway calcium influx colorectal cancer direct-current electrical field galvanotaxis patient-derived low-passage cell lines

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Galvanotaxis Assay for Analysis of Neural Precursor Cell Migration Kinetics in an Externally Applied Direct Current Electric Field

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Published on: October 13, 2012

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Published on: December 29, 2015

Orthotopic Implantation of Patient-Derived Cancer Cells in Mice Recapitulates Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Orthotopic Implantation of Patient-Derived Cancer Cells in Mice Recapitulates Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Published on: February 10, 2023

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Oncology
Biophysics

Background:

Directional migration of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells is critical for tumor progression.
Galvanotaxis, or directed cell migration in response to direct-current electrical fields, remains largely unexplored in CRC.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether direct-current electrical fields can induce and direct the migration of colorectal cancer cells.
To explore the role of voltage-gated calcium channels and intracellular signaling pathways in CRC cell galvanotaxis.

Main Methods:

Five patient-derived colorectal cancer cell lines were exposed to direct-current electrical fields (150-250 V/m) in vitro.
Cell migration directionality was analyzed, and the effects of selective inhibitors for voltage-gated calcium channels and signaling pathways (AKT, MEK, STAT3) were assessed.

Main Results:

Three of five CRC cell lines exhibited preferred migration towards the cathode (cathodal migration) in response to electrical fields.
Cellular integrity was maintained at the tested field strengths.
Galvanotaxis was inhibited by blocking voltage-gated calcium channels.
Signaling pathways AKT and MEK, but not STAT3, were implicated in CRC cell galvanotaxis.

Conclusions:

Direct-current electrical fields can induce galvanotaxis in a subset of colorectal cancer cells.
Voltage-gated calcium channels and specific signaling pathways (AKT, MEK) are key mediators of this electrical field-directed migration.
Electrical fields represent a potential factor influencing colorectal cancer cell directional movement.