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Xiao C, Sun Y, Huang H, Yue X, Song Z, David T, Xu S. Cellular communication among smooth muscle cells: The role of membrane potential via connexins. J Theor Biol 2024; 576:111627. [PMID: 37977477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Communication via action potentials among neurons has been extensively studied. However, effective communication without action potentials is ubiquitous in biological systems, yet it has received much less attention in comparison. Multi-cellular communication among smooth muscles is crucial for regulating blood flow, for example. Understanding the mechanism of this non-action potential communication is critical in many cases, like synchronization of cellular activity, under normal and pathological conditions. In this paper, we employ a multi-scale asymptotic method to derive a macroscopic homogenized bidomain model from the microscopic electro-neutral (EN) model. This is achieved by considering different diffusion coefficients and incorporating nonlinear interface conditions. Subsequently, the homogenized macroscopic model is used to investigate communication in multi-cellular tissues. Our computational simulations reveal that the membrane potential of syncytia, formed by interconnected cells via connexins, plays a crucial role in propagating oscillations from one region to another, providing an effective means for fast cellular communication. Statement of Significance: In this study, we investigated cellular communication and ion transport in vascular smooth muscle cells, shedding light on their mechanisms under normal and abnormal conditions. Our research highlights the potential of mathematical models in understanding complex biological systems. We developed effective macroscale electro-neutral bi-domain ion transport models and examined their behavior in response to different stimuli. Our findings revealed the crucial role of connexinmediated membrane potential changes and demonstrated the effectiveness of cellular communication through syncytium membranes. Despite some limitations, our study provides valuable insights into these processes and emphasizes the importance of mathematical modeling in unraveling the complexities of cellular communication and ion transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xiao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, 524048, China.
| | - Yishui Sun
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom.
| | - Huaxiong Huang
- Research Center for Mathematics, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research and Application for Data Science, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519088, China; Laboratory of Mathematics and Complex Systems, MOE, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China; Department of Mathematics and Statistics York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Xingye Yue
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Zilong Song
- Math and Statistics Department, Utah State University, Old Main Hill, Logan , UT 84322, USA.
| | - Tim David
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Shixin Xu
- Zu Chongzhi Center for Mathematics and Computational Sciences (CMCS), Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, 215316, China.
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Stevens CW. New pathways for an old molecule: the role of the Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase pump in peripheral neuropathy. J Neurol Sci 2014; 340:3-4. [PMID: 24667006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig W Stevens
- OSU-Center for Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK 74107-1898, United States.
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