The role of high-mobility group box 1 in magnetic stimulation-induced migration of astrocytes

Abstract

Objective To examine the molecular mechanism involved in astrocyte migration induced by magnetic stimulation (MS), and the role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in migration. Methods Astrocytes were isolated from the cortical tissues of 2-3 day old Sprague-Dawley rats and divided into a stimulus group given MS and a control group without MS. The stimulus group was further divided into an experimental group and a control group, with the former pre-stimulated with 10 μmol/ml U0126 for 30 minutes and no pre-stimulation for the latter.The cells in the experimental group were also randomly divided into siRNA and HMGB1-siRNA transfection groups to examine the role of HMGB1 in astrocyte migration induced by MS. The SiRNA group was transfected with HMGB1 siRNA. Western blotting was used to detect any effect of MS on HMGB1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) .The migration of astrocytes was detected using the scratch assay. Results MS (10 Hz) can promote the phosphorylation of ERK, increase the migration of astrocytes and the expression of HMGB1. After the U0126 treatment and transfection with HMGB1 siRNA, the effects of MS on expression of HMGB1 and migration of astrocytes decreased significantly. Conclusions Magnetic stimulation-mediated migration of astrocytes via activation of the ERK pathway phosphorylation and autocrine of HMGB1. Key words: Magnetic stimulation; Astrocytes; Box 1; Migration