Magnetite Nanodiscs Activate Mechanotransductive Calcium Signaling in Diverse Cell Types

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Remote magnetomechanical stimulation is a minimally invasive technique for neuronal modulation.
• Magnetomechanical stimulation of non-neuronal tissues is largely unexplored despite cellular mechanosensitive pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of magnetomechanical stimulation for non-neuronal cells.
• To explore the activation of calcium signaling pathways in non-neuronal cells using magnetic nanodiscs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized magnetite nanodiscs (MNDs) with weak magnetic fields (12-56 mT) at frequencies of 5-125 Hz.
• Investigated calcium signaling pathways including transmembrane calcium entry, intracellular calcium release, and store-operated calcium signaling.
• Tested MNDs in diverse cell types like cardiomyocytes and hippocampal astrocytes.

Main Results:

• MNDs successfully activated ubiquitous mechano-sensitive calcium signaling pathways in non-neuronal cells.
• Calcium transients were mediated in cells with different calcium signaling machinery.
• The characteristics of calcium responses varied based on the specific protein machinery within each cell type.

Conclusions:

• Magnetomechanical stimulation using MNDs is effective in activating calcium signaling in non-neuronal cells.
• This approach broadens the application of magnetic nanoparticles for cellular modulation beyond neuronal tissue.
• Opens new avenues for remote magnetic probing of endocrine, immune, and circulatory functions and related disorders.