Direct current electric field (DCEF) steers the migration of various neural cells. Microglia, as macrophage of the central nervous system (CNS), however, have not been reported to engage in electrotaxis. Here, we applied electric fields to an in vitro environment and found directional migration of BV2 microglia toward the cathode, in a DCEF strength-dependent manner. Transcriptome analysis then revealed significant changes in the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. In terms of mechanism, DCEF coordinated microglia movement by regulating the ERK/GSK3 beta/cofilin signaling pathway, and PMA (protein kinase C activator) reversed cell migration through intervention of the ERK/GSK3 beta/cofilin axis. Meanwhile, LiCl (GSK3 beta inhibitor) showed similar functions to PMA in the electrotaxis of microglia. Furthermore, pharmacological and genetic suppression of GSK3 beta or cofilin also modulated microglia directional migration under DCEF. Collectively, we discovered the electrotaxis of BV2 microglia and the essential role of the ERK/GSK3 beta/cofilin axis in regulating cell migration via modulation of F-actin redistribution. This research highlights new insight toward mediating BV2 directional migration and provides potential direction for novel therapeutic strategies of CNS diseases.
第一作者单位：[1]Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, Renji Hosp, Brain Injury Ctr, Sch Med, 160 Pujian Rd, Shanghai 200127, Peoples R China[2]Shanghai Inst Head Trauma, Shanghai 200127, Peoples R China
通讯作者：
通讯机构：[1]Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, Renji Hosp, Brain Injury Ctr, Sch Med, 160 Pujian Rd, Shanghai 200127, Peoples R China[2]Shanghai Inst Head Trauma, Shanghai 200127, Peoples R China
推荐引用方式(GB/T 7714)：
Ma Yuxiao,Yang Chun,Liang Qian,et al.Direct Current Electric Field Coordinates the Migration of BV2 Microglia via ERK/GSK3β/Cofilin Signaling Pathway[J].MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY.2022,59(6):3665-3677.doi:10.1007/s12035-022-02815-5.
APA：
Ma, Yuxiao,Yang, Chun,Liang, Qian,He, Zhenghui,Weng, Weiji...&Feng, Junfeng.(2022).Direct Current Electric Field Coordinates the Migration of BV2 Microglia via ERK/GSK3β/Cofilin Signaling Pathway.MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY,59,(6)
MLA：
Ma, Yuxiao,et al."Direct Current Electric Field Coordinates the Migration of BV2 Microglia via ERK/GSK3β/Cofilin Signaling Pathway".MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY 59..6(2022):3665-3677
