Electric fields contribute to directed migration of human retinal pigment epithelial cells via interaction between F-actin and beta1 integrin.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effects of electric fields (EFs) on the migration of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and to explore possible related mechanisms.


METHODS
Cultured human RPE cells were exposed to EFs, and images of the cells were obtained at regular intervals to evaluate the cell migration and viability. Distribution of F-actin and beta1 integrin was measured by immunohistochemistry. Expression of beta1 integrin was determined by PCR and Western blotting.


RESULTS
Exposure to EFs resulted in a cathodal-directed migration of RPE cells and a cathodal accumulation of F-actin and beta1 integrin in the cells. EF stimulation increased expression of beta1 integrin both in mRNA and protein levels. These effects could be inhibited by cytochalasin B.


CONCLUSIONS
EFs induce directed migration of RPE cells, and this effect is, to some extent, regulated by the interaction between cytoskeleton and integrins.
Han
Jing
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
Yan
Xiao-Long
XL
Han
Quan-Hong
QH
Li
Yue
Y
Zhu
Jie
J
Hui
Yan-Nian
YN
D000199:Actins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D019012:Integrin beta1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000502:physiology*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D000199:Actins; D019012:Integrin beta1; D012333:RNA, Messenger