Ca2+-regulated cell migration revealed by optogenetically engineered Ca2+ oscillations

Abstract

The ability of a single Ca2+ ion to play an important role in cell biology is highlighted by the need for cells to form Ca2+ signals in the dimensions of space, time, and amplitude. Thus, spatial and temporal changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration are important for determining cell fate. Optogenetic technology has been developed to provide more precise and targeted stimulation of cells. Here, U2OS cells overexpressing Ca2+ translocating channelrhodopsin (CatCh) were used to mediate Ca2+ influx through blue light illumination with various parameters, such as intensity, frequency, duty cycle, and duration. We identified that several Ca2+-dependent transcription factors and certain kinases can be activated by specific Ca2+ waves. Using a wound-healing assay, we found that low-frequency Ca2+ oscillations increased cell migration through the activation of NF-κB. This study explores the regulation of cell migration by Ca2+ signals. Thus, we can choose optical parameters to modulate Ca2+ waves and achieve activation of specific signaling pathways. This novel methodology can be applied to clarify related cell-signaling mechanisms in the future.