Bioelectrical coupling in multicellular domains regulated by gap junctions: A conceptual approach

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Multicellular biological systems exhibit complex behaviors driven by bioelectrical signals.
• Membrane potentials (Vmem) play a crucial role in cellular communication and function.
• Intercellular communication is often mediated by gap junctions, influenced by voltage changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review fundamental concepts of bioelectrically-coupled multicellular domains.
• To explore the role of membrane potentials (Vmem) in regulating cellular behavior and tissue patterning.
• To introduce and discuss the BioElectrical Tissue Simulation Engine (BETSE) as a modeling tool.

Main Methods:

• Modeling of single-cell Vmem modulation by ion channels and intercellular coupling via gap junctions.
• Integration of biochemical and bioelectrical signals through a Vmem-dependent feedback loop.
• Application of the finite volume technique within the BETSE environment to simulate ion concentrations and fluxes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated how Vmem spatio-temporal maps influence downstream patterning through gap junction interconnectivity.
• Highlighted the analogy between bioelectrical circuitry and electronic devices.
• Showcased BETSE's successful application in predicting and explaining experimental observations in various biological contexts.

Conclusions:

• Bioelectrical signals, particularly Vmem and gap junction activity, are critical for multicellular organization and patterning.
• Computational models like BETSE provide powerful tools for understanding complex bioelectrical phenomena.
• BETSE facilitates predictions and explanations across embryonic, regenerative, and oncogenic research.