The Metabolic-Bioelectric Axis: Integrating Mitochondrial Energetics and Biophysical Cues in Stem Cell Fate Regulation and Oncogenic Transformation

Traditional models of stem cell regulation have centered heavily on genetic and epigenetic programs. However, emerging evidence suggests that bioenergetic states and endogenous electrical signals are integral to developmental decision-making and plasticity. This Research Collection seeks rigorous, mechanistic contributions that clarify how mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic flux (e.g., redox states, metabolites, and ATP production) integrate with bioelectric cues (e.g., membrane potential, ion channel activity, and transepithelial potentials) to regulate cellular transitions.We welcome Original Research and Reviews that address these mechanisms in the context of:Fate Decisions: The transition between quiescence, activation, self-renewal, and lineage commitment.Tissue Dynamics: The role of these cues in embryonic development, adult homeostasis, and aging.Pathophysiology: The breakdown of metabolic-electrical coupling in regeneration and oncogenic transformation.Technological Innovation: Enabling approaches for the manipulation or non-destructive/label-free monitoring of cell states (e.g., autofluorescence imaging, micro-electrode arrays, or biosensors).Goal: By bridging bioenergetics and biophysics, this collection will define how the "cellular engine" and the "electrical niche" collaborate to maintain health or drive disease, providing new insights into development, regenerative medicine, and cancer biology. Topic editors: Debasmita Bhattacharya, Chun-Chih Tseng Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77767/the-metabolic-bioelectric-axis-integrating-mitochondrial-energetics-and-biophysical-cues-in-stem-cell-fate-regulation-and-oncogenic-transformation