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.
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
