Community effects allow bioelectrical reprogramming of cell membrane potentials in multicellular aggregates: Model...

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Developmental Biology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Bioelectrical patterns, arising from cell membrane potentials, are vital for multicellular processes like development and regeneration.
• Understanding how local cell populations interact within larger aggregates is key to deciphering complex biological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the conditions under which a small patch of cells with a distinct bioelectrical state can be stabilized within a larger aggregate.
• To explore how intercellular coupling influences bioelectrical community effects and pattern formation in multicellular systems.

Main Methods:

• Multicellular simulations were performed to model bioelectrical community effects and intercellular coupling.
• A model incorporating two generic voltage-gated ion channels and variable coupling conductances was used to simulate polarized and depolarized cell states.

Main Results:

• Community effects are regulated at both single-cell and intercellular levels, dependent on the balance of intercellular coupling within the patch, bulk, and at their interface.
• Simulations suggest that bioelectrical community effects can lead to the reprogramming of individual cell bioelectrical states.
• The study identified conditions for stabilizing local bioelectrical heterogeneities within multicellular aggregates.

Conclusions:

• The balance of intercellular coupling is critical for establishing stable bioelectrical patterns and regionalization in multicellular systems.
• Findings support the potential for electroceutical interventions to correct abnormal bioelectrical states in tissues.
• This research provides insights into biophysical mechanisms for engineering target bioelectrical patterns in multicellular constructs.