Electric field regulated signaling pathways

Physiological electric field (EF) is a potent guidance cue for many physiological development and pathological conditions. The EF induced cellular responses such as migration and proliferation, are considered to be regulated by multiple signaling pathways in a coordinated way. Unlike the signaling transduction regulating the cellular responses toward chemical gradients, the signaling network involved in electric stimulation shows a unique manner, combining the regulation of ion channels, membrane receptors and associated intracellular signaling pathways. This review shall discuss the cellular responses in EF, and summarize the primary signaling network activated during the EF-induced cellular response.