Learning and Chattering: Bioelectric voltage spikes in epithelial cell monolayers

Information processing of neural networks has been pivotal in understanding human intelligence, revealing the mechanisms of cognitive processes, and informing the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and neuromorphic computing. Unlike neural systems, the epithelial system has been regarded as non-self-excitatory. Rather it has been focused on for its significant physiological roles, serving as barriers and being involved in absorption, secretion, and protection. In this talk, we will show that electrical cell-cell communications in the epithelial system assist homeostatic recovery local wounds with electric spike duration 1000 times slower but amplitude unchanged relative to neurons (1). We clarify the role of mechanosensitive ion channels in controlling persistence, frequency of events, and signal gradient. We report how “echos” of electric signal propagation shape long-range epithelial tissue migration. In ongoing research, epithelial cells are being tasked to solve problems.