Membrane lipids, EGF receptors, and intracellular signals colocalize and are polarized in epithelial cells moving directionally in a physiological electric field

Abstract
SPECIFIC AIMSEndogenous electric fields (EFs) are common where cell movement occurs, and cells respond to EFs by migrating directionally. We set out to determine whether a physiological EF induces spatially regulated formation, migration, and activation of membrane lipid domains, associated receptors, second messenger signaling molecules, and the actin cytoskeleton in epithelial cells, which could underpin directional cell migration.PRINICIPAL FINDINGS1. Asymmetric distribution of membrane lipid, EGF receptors, and signaling molecules in a physiological electric fieldCorneal epithelial cells (CECs) from fresh bovine eyes cultured in medium with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) migrated toward the cathode. In serum-free medium, directional migration was lost. Addition of transforming growth factor α (TGFα), which activates EGF receptors (EGFRs), causing downstream activation of MAP kinase, restored and significantly enhanced migration directedness and migration rate in a dose-dependent manner. Asymmetric distrib...
Funding Information
  • Wellcome Trust (058551)