Temperature-induced modulation of the electrophysiological behavior of A549 lung cancer cells

Sonja Langthaler*, Theresa Margarethe Rienmüller, Jasmina Lozanovic Sajic, Christian Baumgartner

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Cancer cells typically exhibit altered ion channel expression and membrane potential, which plays an important role in various cellular processes such as proliferation or apoptosis. Hence, therapeutic strategies that modulate ion channel activity or shift the membrane potential prove to be promising for cancer therapy. Since temperature significantly affects ion channel function, deviations from normal body temperature might provide a key factor in electrophysiological processes, potentially affecting cell proliferation and thus tumor progression. In this pilot study, we focused on a first insight into the temperature-induced modulation of A549 cells using an automated patch clamp system. Measurements of 14 cells at hypo-, normo- and hyperthermia were accomplished to investigate the temperature-dependent electrophysiological behavior. The results revealed that both, temperatures below and above normal body temperature affect the current and potential of A549 cells. In hyperthermia the potential tends to more hyperpolarized values, while conversely, in hypothermic conditions we observed mainly a lower current response and thus a depolarization of the membrane potential.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-88
Number of pages4
JournalCurrent Directions in Biomedical Engineering
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2022

Keywords

  • ion channel kinetics
  • membrane potential
  • oncological hyperthermia
  • temperature modulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering

Fields of Expertise

  • Human- & Biotechnology

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