Guided Migration of Neural Stem Cells Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells by an Electric Field

Abstract

Small direct current (DC) electric fields (EFs) guide neurite growth and migration of rodent neural stem cells (NSCs). However, this could be species dependent. Therefore, it is critical to investigate how human NSCs (hNSCs) respond to EF before any possible clinical attempt. Aiming to characterize the EF-stimulated and guided migration of hNSCs, we derived hNSCs from a well-established human embryonic stem cell line H9. Small applied DC EFs, as low as 16 mV/mm, induced significant directional migration toward the cathode. Reversal of the field polarity reversed migration of hNSCs. The galvanotactic/electrotactic response was both time and voltage dependent. The migration directedness and distance to the cathode increased with the increase of field strength. (Rho-kinase) inhibitor Y27632 is used to enhance viability of stem cells and has previously been reported to inhibit EF-guided directional migration in induced pluripotent stem cells and neurons. However, its presence did not significantly affect the directionality of hNSC migration in an EF. Cytokine receptor [C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)] is important for chemotaxis of NSCs in the brain. The blockage of CXCR4 did not affect the electrotaxis of hNSCs. We conclude that hNSCs respond to a small EF by directional migration. Applied EFs could potentially be further exploited to guide hNSCs to injured sites in the central nervous system to improve the outcome of various diseases.

Neural stem cell differentiation by electrical stimulation using a cross-linked PEDOT substrate: Expanding the use of biocompatible conjugated conductive polymers for neural tissue engineering

“…towards specific targets [115][116][117][118]. However, the response to electric 527 stimulation is diverse depending on cell type, developmental stage, 528 and species [119,120]. being this statistically significant (Fig.…”

Stem cell differentiation on conducting polyaniline

“…For example, Hsiao et al 5 described the application of composite nanobers of polyaniline and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) as an electrically active scaffold for coordinating the beating of cardiomyocytes. Another exciting use of conducting polymers in the electrical stimulation of cells is to induce the pre-commitment of broblasts into cardiomyocytes, 6 neurite growth, and the migration of rodent neural stem cells, 7 as well as the stimulation of myoblast differentiation. 8 Recently, nanobers fabricated through the electrospinning of polyaniline blended with poly(L-lactic acid) were reported to show potential for adipose-derived stem cell proliferation.…”

Alternating Current Electric Fields of Varying Frequencies: Effects on Proliferation and Differentiation of Porcine Neural Progenitor Cells

“…However, the response to EFs is diverse depending on cell type, developmental stage, and species. Moreover, the response can be altered by altering the cell culture media, culture dish materials, surface coating, or growth supplements (Feng et al, 2012;Rajnicek et al, 1998;Wood and Willits, 2009;Zhang et al, 2011).…”