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Imaging Structural and Electrical Changes of Aging Cells Using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy
Yao Song1, Shuting Zhang1, Chen Cao1
1Key Laboratory for Bio-Electromagnetic Environment and Advanced Medical Theranostics, School of biomedical engineering and informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, P.R. China.
Small Methods
|December 10, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a new scanning ion conductance microscopy method to map extracellular membrane charges. This technique revealed that senescent cells exhibit significantly more negative surface charges, offering insights into aging and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Extracellular membrane charge distribution is vital for cellular functions like protein regulation, signal transduction, and cell growth.
- Understanding these charges is crucial for deciphering cellular processes and developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM)-based method for extracellular membrane mapping.
- To visualize dynamic topography and surface charge distribution around individual cells.
- To investigate charge differences and their implications in cellular processes, particularly senescence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel SICM-based approach for extracellular membrane mapping.
- Validated the method's accuracy using model samples with manipulated charge densities.
- Employed finite element modeling (FEM) to explore the charge sensing mechanism.
- Applied the method to monitor normal and senescent human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).
Main Results:
- The developed SICM method successfully visualized dynamic topography and surface charge distribution.
- Finite element modeling provided insights into the charge sensing mechanism.
- Significant differences in extracellular charge distributions were observed between normal and senescent hDPSCs.
- Cellular senescence was associated with a markedly more negative surface charge.
Conclusions:
- The novel SICM method offers a powerful tool for analyzing extracellular charge dynamics.
- The study demonstrates that cellular senescence leads to significant changes in surface charge, becoming more negative.
- This research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of cellular senescence and potential therapeutic targets for age-related diseases.
