Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Enhance the Directional Migration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) can promote various types of cell migration, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) migration; however, their effects on MSCs polarity and directional migration remain unclear. To investigate whether EMF enhances directional migration at wound edges, we exposed MSCs to EMF and analyzed β-COP (a polarity marker) and γ-tubulin (a centrosome marker) to assess cellular polarity. Migratory behaviors were systematically quantified. Results demonstrated increased β-COP asymmetric redistribution in EMF-treated cells, with β-COP localizing anterior to the nucleus and γ-tubulin accumulating in cortical regions at wound margins. Importantly, EMF significantly improved the directional persistence of MSCs migration toward wounds compared to controls. These findings indicate that EMF specifically enhances MSCs directional migration through polarity regulation, advancing our understanding of EMF's therapeutic potential in wound healing and clinical translation.