Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
2023
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Biology and Microbiology
First Advisor
Mark Messerli
Abstract
Electrical stimulation (ES) is recognized as a therapeutic approach for accelerating healing of chronic wounds. Despite the characterized effects of electric fields (EFs) on cellular behavior in vitro, there is a gap in understanding how non-excitable cells detect EFs. We hypothesize that EFs generate shearing stress by inducing electro-osmotic flow (EOF) that can activate mechanosensitive channels. To test this hypothesis, neonatal human epidermal keratinocytes (nHEK) were subjected to controlled pressure-driven flow (PDF) and applied electric fields. Cytosolic calcium levels were monitored using ratiometric fluorescent calcium-sensitive dyes while the cells were exposed to physical stimuli. Cells respond to pressure-driven flow with a relatively rapid increase in cytosolic Ca2+ and a slow decline after shearing flow is turned off. Cells also respond to an EF of 1000 mV/mm with a rapid increase in their cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. The presence of extracellular calcium was found to be essential for this response. This research highlights the importance of electric fields in activating plasma membrane Ca2+ channels and has significant implications for the development of electrical stimulation-based therapies for skin repair and offers a novel perspective on the role of mechanical stimuli in cellular function and signaling.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Electric stimulation.
Shear flow.
Ion channels.
Cell membranes.
Electrotherapeutics.
Electro-osmosis.
Wound healing.
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Talukder, Md Moin Uddin, "Electrical Activation of Mechanosensitive Channels Through Shearing Flow" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 873.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/873
Rights Statement
