It is known that electrical communication occurs in various cells such as heart cells that facilitate blood flow and neurons that coordinate many functions of the brain. Using artificial intelligence and a high-resolution microscope, scientists discovered that cancer cells reproduce by electrical communication.
Cancer cells multiply by electrical communication
Cells within the same tumor use electrical communication to coordinate growth, according to the published report. The team that published the report suggests that if communication can be cut off, it could offer new ways to treat cancer diseases.
“Among all cells in the body, we usually associate ‘excitable’ brain or heart cells with electrical activity,” said Mustafa Djamgoz, co-author of the study. As a result of our research, we have identified a hidden electrical signaling network that may play an important role in cancer cell behavior, including communication with each other and with other cells within the tumor. We determined that the rapid spread of cancer, which is the main cause of death from cancer, is caused by electrical activity.” made statements.
The study was done with a microscope originally designed to observe electrical activity in brain cells. In the lab, scientists discovered that the membrane voltage found in breast cancer cells fluctuates over time, as do neurons.
Using artificial intelligence, the team characterized the signals and divided them into four categories. After experimenting with a special drug, the team succeeded in blocking the cancer cells’ production of electricity for communication.
Professor Chris Bakal said: “It seems that breast cancer cells have formed a kind of electrical language. I still don’t know how complex language is, but it could allow cancer cells to transmit information about nearby nutrients or hostile environments over long distances, ultimately leading to tumor survival.” said.
Making healthy cells cancerous, scientists observed the change in cells. Cell membranes in cells that became cancerous began to communicate electrically. However, voltage fluctuations were found to differ between cancer types.
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