Observation of topological action potentials in engineered tissues

The interface between two tissues can have very different bioelectrical properties compared to either tissue on its own. Here we show that an non-excitable be electrically excitable because of interaction the currents passing through gap junctions—electrically resistive intercellular connections—and non-linear current–voltage dependence in ion channels side interface. Our theory shows this topologically robust excitability occurs over a far larger range channel expression levels than support bulk. corresponding interfacial action potentials cause local elevations calcium concentration, possibly providing mechanism for sensing. observed topological point possibility other types effect electrophysiology and at diffusively coupled interfaces. Interfaces excitable, suggesting possible