Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
Eur J Cell Biol. 2015 Oct;94(10):429-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.06.010. Epub 2015 Jun 25.
Cell-to-cell communication is a critical requirement to coordinate behaviors of the cells in a community and thereby achieve tissue homeostasis and conservation of the multicellular organisms. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), as a cell-to-cell communication over long distance, allow for bi- or uni-directional transfer of cellular components between cells. Identification of inducing agents and the cell and molecular mechanism underling the formation of TNTs and their structural and functional features may lead to finding new important roles for these intercellular bridges in vivo and in vitro. During the last decade, research has shown TNTs have different structural and functional properties, varying between and within cell systems. In this review, we will focus on TNTs and their cell and molecular mechanism of formation. Moreover, the latest findings into their functional roles in physiological and pathological processes, such as signal transduction, micro and nano-particles delivery, immune responses, embryogenesis, cellular reprogramming, apoptosis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases initiation and progression and pathogens transfer, will be discussed.
细胞间通讯是协调群落中细胞行为以实现组织内稳态和多细胞生物保护的关键要求。隧道纳米管（TNTs）作为一种长距离的细胞间通讯方式，允许细胞间双向或单向转移细胞成分。鉴定诱导剂以及形成 TNTs 的细胞和分子机制及其结构和功能特征，可能会发现这些细胞间桥在体内和体外的新的重要作用。在过去的十年中，研究表明 TNTs 具有不同的结构和功能特性，在细胞系统之间和内部都有所不同。在这篇综述中，我们将重点介绍 TNTs 及其形成的细胞和分子机制。此外，还将讨论它们在生理和病理过程中的功能作用的最新发现，如信号转导、微纳米颗粒传递、免疫反应、胚胎发生、细胞重编程、细胞凋亡、癌症、神经退行性疾病的发生和进展以及病原体转移。
