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Tunneling Nanotubes

All articles tagged with #tunneling nanotubes

science-and-technology2 years ago

Harnessing Mitochondria Transfer: Unleashing Limitless Potential

Mitochondria transfer, facilitated by tunneling nanotubes, has emerged as a crucial mechanism for intercellular communication and cellular health. Research has shown that mitochondria can be transferred between cells to rescue aerobic respiration, support energetically demanding processes, and protect against various diseases and injuries. This transfer has been observed in different cell types, including stem cells, cancer cells, and immune cells, and has been found to have therapeutic potential in conditions such as acute lung injury, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, recent studies have revealed the release of mitochondria in extracellular vesicles, further expanding the understanding of interorgan mitochondrial transport. These findings highlight the power and potential of mitochondria transfer in various biological processes and medical applications.

science2 years ago

Intercellular Communication in Embryos: The Secret of Tiny Tubular Mail

Cells inside zebrafish embryos have been observed using tunneling nanotubes to transport cargo between each other, according to a study published on bioRxiv. These long, thin tubes serve as intercellular transport systems for various substances, including chemicals, messenger RNA, proteins, organelles, viruses, and bacteria. The discovery of functional tunneling nanotubes in a living embryo could have implications for understanding diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2. Researchers overcame the challenge of observing these structures in a complex, 3D living organism by tracking their growth in transparent zebrafish embryos.