Ca 2+ -regulated cell migration revealed by optogenetically engineered Ca 2+ oscillations

• Published in: Journal of cellular physiology 2021-06, Vol.236 (6), p.4681-4693
• Main Authors: Lai, Yi-Shyun, Chang, Ya-Han, Chen, Yong-Yi, Xu, Jixuan, Yu, Chi-Sian, Chang, Su-Jing, Chen, Pai-Sheng, Tsai, Shaw-Jenq, Chiu, Wen-Tai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-9541; 1097-4652
• DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30190

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