Recent research indicates that epithelial cells, previously thought to be silent barriers, emit electrical pulses when injured, signaling a need for repair. This discovery reveals a communication method resembling neuronal signaling, as these cells coordinate the healing process by beckoning nearby cells. Lead researcher Sun-Min Yu conducted experiments using cultured epithelial and kidney cells, confirming that electrical signals occur at injury sites. This finding contradicts the belief that epithelial cells primarily rely on chemical signals for communication and emphasizes their role in rapid response to injury.
The researchers found that injured epithelial cells emit a slow electric pulse, similar to neuron firing, to signal the need for repair.
Epithelial cells form the skin's outer layer and line organs, and they were discovered to communicate distress through electrical signals when wounded.
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