Tunneling Nanotube: a Novel Type of Signal Transmission in The Nervous System
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1.1)State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;2.2)University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;3.3)State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China

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This work was supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China (2019YFA0508603), The National Natural Science Foundation of China (31971075) and State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology.

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    Abstract:

    Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are F-actin-based thin channel-like structures connecting distant cells, which provide a new route for intercellular communication. Since TNTs are discovered, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated their roles in the transfer of diverse cargoes between connecting cells, including signaling molecules, RNAs, proteins, organelles, and even pathogens, which illustrate the diversity and complexity of TNTs' function. TNTs have been found in various types of cells, including neuronal cells. In the nervous system, the formation of TNTs between neurons or between neurons and astrocytes mediates electrical coupling and the transfer of pathogenic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we summarized the current results of TNTs in the nervous system, including its formation, regulatory factors, functions, and potential benefits in the treatment of diseases.

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WANG Fei, ZHANG Yan, ZHU Li. Tunneling Nanotube: a Novel Type of Signal Transmission in The Nervous System[J]. Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics,2021,48(1):54-63

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History
  • Received:June 03,2020
  • Revised:July 10,2020
  • Accepted:July 14,2020
  • Online: April 02,2021
  • Published: January 20,2021