Abstract

Overview

Membrane potential (Vm) is crucial for cell functions including ion channel regulation, development, and impacts on cancer metastasis.

Findings

This study challenged the standard models, which assumed that Vm is significant only across the cell membrane, revealing that Vm:

• Can be detected beyond the cell surface.
• Modulating Vm leads to measurable changes in extracellular potential.
• Primarily influences via capacitive coupling with the electrical double layer.
• Affects extracellular ion composition akin to voltage-gated ion channels in non-excitable cells.

We also observed Vm-synchronized circadian rhythms in extracellular potential, suggesting important implications for cell-cell interactions and potential influence on cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

This study provides compelling evidence that Vm-related changes extend beyond the cell membrane, offering new insight into non-excitable cell functionalities and their broader biological implications.