Raphaël Rapetti-Mauss
Research scientist - CNRS
Raphaël Rapetti-Mauss is a Research Scientist at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), within the Institut de Biologie Valrose. He earned his PhD in Biology in 2013 and his Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) in 2021. He leads a research program focused on epithelial bioelectricity and the role of ion channels in the organization and dynamics of epithelial tissues. His work explores how ionic activity modulates junctional stability, intracellular signaling, and epithelial plasticity.
By combining electrophysiology, cellular approaches, organoids, and structural analyses, he aims to define general principles linking bioelectric activity and tissue architecture. Author of numerous publications in international journals and recipient of the CNRS Bronze Medal in 2023, he contributes to shaping an emerging field at the interface of ion channels, cellular dynamics, and tissue organization.
Presentation
Bioelectricity in epithelial tissues: principles and biological implications
Bioelectricity refers to the full range of electrical phenomena produced by living cells. Long associated only with “excitable” tissues such as muscle or nerve, it nevertheless plays an essential role in epithelial tissues, where it contributes to their organization, cohesion, and ability to maintain homeostasis.
In this talk, I will first cover the fundamental principles of epithelial bioelectricity: how ionic gradients, ion channels, and transporters generate electrical signals that are essential to the cells’ day-to-day function. I will then explain how these signals influence cell dynamics and epithelial tissue homeostasis. Finally, I will discuss how disruptions to these mechanisms can contribute to disease—particularly epithelial cancers—by altering cell–cell interactions or intracellular signaling.
The goal of this presentation is to provide an accessible yet rigorous overview of how electrical phenomena shape tissue structure and behavior, and why this dimension of living systems is becoming an increasingly important area for research and applications
The National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) is France’s leading public institution dedicated to scientific research. Founded in 1939, its mission is to produce fundamental knowledge and promote its applications across all fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, humanities, environmental sciences, engineering, and computer science.
Organized into thematic institutes and joint research units across the country, the CNRS brings together over 30,000 people and collaborates closely with universities, national organizations, and numerous international partners.
Its dual mission is to advance knowledge and support innovation, combining scientific freedom, excellence, and collaborative work. Researchers carry out projects ranging from basic studies to technological and medical applications, contributing to France’s position among the world leaders in research.