α2β1 Integrin Mediates Electric Field-Induced Directed Ligament Fibroblast Migration via RhoA

INTRODUCTION Guided cell migration has important implications in tissue development, repair, and engineering. We have previously demonstrated that ligament fibroblast migration is differentially modulated by applied electric fields (EFs) in a number of physical therapy treatment modalities [1]. Using different waveform and field strengths, we discovered a decoupling of cell shape and directionality, which suggests disparate mechanisms [1-2]. In the current study, we examined the mechanisms behind the distinctive responses. Integrin, a major extracellular matrix receptor, has been proposed to contribute to EF-induced directed migration [3-6]. We demonstrated the involvement of integrin polarization on EF-induced cell directionality and signaling.