Tunneling Nanotubes
Tunneling Nanotubes - Related Videos
07:15
Standardized Method to Detect Tunneling Nanotubes in Human Skin Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications
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2026
Here, a standardized protocol to visualize tunneling nanotubes between human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts using membrane and F-actin labeling with z-stack confocal imaging is shown, with optional α-tubulin co-staining, enabling reproducible detection and cytoskeletal characterization for tissue-engineering applications.
12:45
Detection and Quantification of Tunneling Nanotubes Using 3D Volume View Images
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Cited by 10 •
2022
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are primarily open-ended F-actin membrane nanotubes that connect neighboring cells, facilitating intercellular communication. The notable characteristic that distinguishes TNTs from other cell protrusions is the hovering nature of the nanotubes between cells. Here, we characterize TNTs by constructing a 3D volume view of confocal z-stack images.
06:50
Mitochondrial Transfer Via Tunneling Nanotubes Between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Retinal Pigment Epithelium In Vitro
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Cited by 2 •
2024
Here, we present a protocol including mitochondrial tracing, direct co-culture procedures of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE19), as well as the methods for observing and statistically analyzing tunneling nanotubes (TNT) formation and mitochondrial transfer to characterize mitochondrial exchange via TNTs between MSCs and ARPE19 cells.
06:26
Pulling Membrane Nanotubes from Giant Unilamellar Vesicles
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Cited by 42 •
2017
Many proteins in the cell sense and induce membrane curvature. We describe a method to pull membrane nanotubes from lipid vesicles to study the interaction of proteins or any curvature-active molecule with curved membranes in vitro.
10:26
Transport of Surface-modified Carbon Nanotubes through a Soil Column
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Cited by 5 •
2015
Surface properties of a nanoparticle are important for their interaction with the surrounding medium. Therefore the surface modification of carbon nanotubes can be critical for their transport and retention through porous media. Here, lab scale column experiments are used to understand the possible transport and retention of these nanoparticles.
FAQs
Tunneling nanotubes arise through actin-driven membrane protrusions, so actin provides the cytoskeletal force and structural support needed to extend a connection between cells. Their thin, transient architecture indicates that formation and maintenance are regulated rather than permanent. This mechanism creates a direct physical route for communication, allowing cells separated in tissue to exchange information or material without relying only on diffusible signals.
The two configurations provide different routes for intercellular exchange. An open cytoplasmic connection can link the interiors of cells directly, whereas a non-open bridge can support the movement of vesicles and other cargo across the connection. This distinction matters because transfer may involve shared cytoplasmic continuity in one case or the directed transport of packaged material in the other.
Because these structures are transient, they can provide communication or transfer only during particular cell interactions rather than creating a permanent connection. That temporary availability may help cells coordinate responses when needed while limiting prolonged physical coupling. In infection biology, a short-lived route could also influence when pathogen components or infectious agents can move between cells.
Within immune tissues, tunneling nanotubes may coordinate signaling and redistribute cellular resources between interacting cells. Their ability to move proteins, organelles, vesicles, and other cargo expands communication beyond signal exchange alone. Consequently, these structures may shape how immune cells support one another, respond to changing conditions, and organize coordinated activity within tissue.
During infection, tunneling nanotubes may provide a direct route for pathogen components or entire infectious agents to move from one cell to another. Such movement could bypass defenses that act in the extracellular space, potentially altering the timing and pattern of spread. The resulting cell-to-cell transfer may influence disease progression as well as the character of immune responses.
The cargo can include vesicles, organelles, proteins, and other cellular material, rather than being limited to one signaling molecule. This broad transfer capacity connects communication with resource redistribution and functional remodeling between cells. In immunology and infection biology, identifying the cargo is therefore important for understanding whether a nanotube interaction primarily supports coordination, cellular support, or pathogen-related transfer.