Abstract
We present a method to induce electric fields and drive electrotaxis (galvanotaxis) without the need for electrodes to be in contact with the media containing the cell cultures. We report experimental results using a modification of the transmembrane assay, demonstrating the hindrance of migration of breast cancer cells (SCP2) when an induced a.c. electric field is present in the appropriate direction (i.e. in the direction of migration). Of significance is that migration of these cells is hindered at electric field strengths many orders of magnitude (5 to 6) below those previously reported for d.c. electrotaxis, and even in the presence of a chemokine (SDF-1α) or a growth factor (EGF). Induced a.c. electric fields applied in the direction of migration are also shown to hinder motility of non-transformed human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) in the presence of the growth factor EGF. In addition, we also show how our method can be applied to other cell migration assays (scratch assay), and by changing the coil design and holder, that it is also compatible with commercially available multi-well culture plates.
Highlights
We present a method to induce electric fields and drive electrotaxis without the need for electrodes to be in contact with the media containing the cell cultures
Since the “North” side of the coil experiences an electric field in the direction of migration for a greater duration (~6 μ s per period) compared to experiencing an electric field opposite to the direction of migration (~4 μ s per period), it can be seen that migration of SCP2 cells is hindered when the induced electric field is in the direction of migration
This observed hindrance of migration on the “North” side is consistent with previously reported observations that MDA-MB-231 cells migrate toward the positive electrode when subjected to d.c. electric fields[8]
Summary
We present a method to induce electric fields and drive electrotaxis (galvanotaxis) without the need for electrodes to be in contact with the media containing the cell cultures. Of significance is that migration of these cells is hindered at electric field strengths many orders of magnitude (5 to 6) below those previously reported for d.c. electrotaxis, and even in the presence of a chemokine (SDF-1α ) or a growth factor (EGF). Non-ciliated cells migrate in response to gradients in chemical composition (chemotaxis), mechanical forces, and electric fields (galvanotaxis or electrotaxis). The latter has been observed for over a hundred years since the report of Dineur in 18921, where the author proposed the use of the term galvanotaxis to describe migration of leukocytes in the presence of a d.c. electric field:. Despite the use of modern patterning techniques for shaping d.c. electric fields and use of microfluidic devices[3,4,5,6,7,8], the methods of applying these d.c. and very low-frequency a.c. electric fields still involve either direct contact or indirect contact (via agar bridges) with the media www.nature.com/scientificreports/
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
