Changes in Biophysical Properties of Undifferentiated SH-SY5Y Cells During Long-Term Cultures

The electrophysiological properties of undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells were examined during cultures prolonged even to 20 days by measuring the passive and active membrane properties at 5 days interval, as well as the spontaneous spiking activity. The results showed that culturing this cell for long time affected not only membrane shape but also their electrophysiological properties. In particular, these cells considerably varied their sodium and potassium voltage-dependent currents, various channels kinetic features and their excitable properties. These modifications would synergically contribute to the bioelectrical conversion of these cells and could be part of a more complex machinery with which the tumoral cell would regulate its survival advantage and resilience. Understanding these processes could add a new clue to the exploitation of this preclinical human neuronal model.