Directed Migration of Embryonic Stem Cell-derived Neural Cells In An Applied Electric Field

This study investigates how electric fields (EFs) can guide the movement of nerve cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The goal is to find ways to direct these cells to repair damaged neural connections, such as after a spinal cord injury. The researchers found that ESC-derived neural precursors and presumptive motor neurons migrated toward the negative pole (cathode) when exposed to an electric field. This suggests that EFs could be used to guide these cells to specific locations in the body. The strength of the electric field affected how directly the cells moved, but it did not change how fast they moved. This indicates that EFs can control the direction of cell movement without affecting their speed.

• 1
  Neural precursors migrated toward the cathode pole of applied electric fields.
• 2
  Reversal of electric field polarity reversed the migration direction of the cells.
• 3
  The directedness and displacement of cathodal migration increased with increasing electric field strength from 50 mV/mm to 100 mV/mm.