Modeling non-genetic information dynamics in cells using reservoir computing
Dipesh Niraula, Issam El Naqa, Jack A. Tuszyński, Robert A. Gatenby · iScience · 2024
Virtually all cells use energy-driven, ion-specific membrane pumps to maintain large transmembrane gradients of Na + , K + , Cl − , Mg ++ , and Ca ++ , but the corresponding evolutionary benefit remains unclear. We propose that these gradients enable a dynamic and versatile biological system that acquires, analyzes, and responds to environmental information. We hypothesize that environmental signals are transmitted into the cell by ion fluxes along pre-existing gradients through gated ion-specific membrane channels. The consequent changes in cytoplasmic ion concentration can generate a local response or orchestrate global/regional cellular dynamics through wire-like ion fluxes along pre-existing and self-assembling cytoskeleton to engage the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus.