Electric Field-Guided Cell Migration, Polarization, and Division: An Emerging Therapy in Neural Regeneration

Abstract

The endogenous EF has been detected in a developing neural system. Studies revealed that EF plays an important role in the development nervous system because the size, location, and developmental timing of EF influence cellular process. The significant biological effect of EF is its influence on the directional growth of neurites and cell migration. In vitro studies have demonstrated an applied directcurrent EF-guided and promoted axonal growth and hippocampal neuron migration toward the cathode pole. Cell division is involved in development, wound healing, and pathology. The physiological role of EF-induced regulation of the cell division plane of neuronal cells has been shown in in vitro experiments. Although the mechanism of EF-directed axonal growth and cell migration is not fully understood, studies have found that the polarization of cells, activation of ion channels, and intracellular signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of EF-guided migration. These studies have provided direct evidence that an EF can potentially direct and enhance in vivo neural cell migration and axonal growth. The application of EF stimulation can be a novel technology for neural regeneration.