Directional Migration of Breast Cancer Cells Hindered by Induced Electric Fields May Be Due to Accompanying Alteration of Metabolic Activity

Authors: Travis H. Jones, Kirti Kaul, Ayush A. Garg, Jonathan W. Song, Ramesh K. Ganju, Vish V. Subramaniam

Year: 01/20/2021

Category: Bioelectricity

Journal: Bioelectricity

DOI: 10.1089/bioe.2020.0048

URL: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bioe.2020.0048

Abstract

Overview

Induced electric fields (iEFs) are known to control the directional migration of breast cancer cells. This study explores the connection between cellular migration and metabolic activity in the context of cancer metastasis, an area previously unexplored.

Materials and Methods

  • Quantitative analysis of cell migration in the presence and absence of an epidermal growth factor (EGF) gradient.
  • Assessment of markers for oxidative phosphorylation (succinate dehydrogenase [SDH] activity) and glycolysis (lactate dehydrogenase activity) in specific breast cancer and normal mammary epithelial cells.

Findings

Analysis indicates that iEFs can:

  • Increase the speed of forward cell migration.
  • Extend the duration of slow reverse direction migration or stationary phases.
  • Alter metabolic pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and glycolysis in MCF10A cells, particularly in the presence of EGF.

Conclusion

The study suggests a significant impact of iEFs on cancer cell behavior by modifying metabolic activities, potentially offering new insights into therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways in highly metastatic breast cancer cells.

electromagnetic fields breast cancer cell migration metabolism cancer treatment oxidative phosphorylation glycolysis
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