Primitive bioelectric communication in non-neural cell communities

Computational 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, but 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 describe similarities and dissimilarities of ionic electrical cell-cell communications in the epithelial system compared to neural or cardiac electrophysiology. Most notably, the duration of a single electric spike is 3 orders of magnitude slower than neuron spikes but the amplitude does not differ. We also explore the roles of mechanosensitive ion channels.