BK channel overexpression on plasma membrane of fibroblasts from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at a very early age. It is a genetic condition that occurs due to a mutation in the gene encoding for the nuclear structural protein lamin A. The lamin family of proteins are thought to be involved in nuclear stability, chromatin structure and gene expression and this leads to heavy effects on the regulation and functionality of the cell machinery.

Electrically Controlled "Sponge Effect" of PEDOT:PSS Governs Membrane Potential and Cellular Growth.

PSS is a highly conductive material with good thermal and chemical stability and enhanced biocompatibility that make it suitable for bioengineering applications. The electrical control of the oxidation state of PEDOT:PSS films allows modulation of peculiar physical and chemical properties of the material, such as topography, wettability, and conductivity, and thus offers a possible route for controlling cellular behavior. Through the use of (i) the electrophysiological response of the plasma membrane as a biosensor of the ionic availability; (ii) relative abundance around the cells via X-ray spectroscopy; and (iii) atomic force microscopy to monitor PEDOT:PSS film thickness relative to its oxidation state, we demonstrate that redox processes confer to PEDOT:PSS the property to modify the ionic environment at the film-liquid interface through a "sponge-like" effect on ions.