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Related Concept Videos

Contact-dependent Signaling01:19

Contact-dependent Signaling

Contact-dependent signaling, as the name suggests, requires that communicating cells be in direct contact with each other. This is achieved either through receptor-ligand interactions or by specialized cytoplasmic channels that allow the flow of small molecules between cells. In animal cells, channels called gap junctions facilitate contact-dependent signaling in certain tissues, whereas, plasmodesmata perform a similar function in plants.
Gap Junctions
In animal cells, gap junctions are formed...
Introduction to Membrane Traffic01:44

Introduction to Membrane Traffic

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Cell-surface Signaling01:21

Cell-surface Signaling

Hormones—or any molecule that binds to a receptor, known as a ligand—that are lipid-insoluble (water-soluble) are not able to diffuse across the cell membrane. In order to be able to affect a cell without entering it, these hormones bind to receptors on the cell membrane. When a first messenger, a hormone, binds to a receptor, a signal cascade is set off, causing second messengers, proteins inside the cell, to become activated, resulting in downstream effects.
Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

The cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells can exchange small molecules, ions, and secondary messengers via the communication channels which form the gap junctions. These junctions comprise a few hundred to thousands of molecular channels, each made of two halves, called the connexon hemichannel. A connexon is a hexamer of six transmembrane connexin proteins, which assemble radially, thus forming a pore or channel in the center. One connexon hemichannel docks with a corresponding connexon on the...
Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
Plasmodesmata01:20

Plasmodesmata

In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
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Updated: May 8, 2026

Nanopodia - Thin, Fragile Membrane Projections with Roles in Cell Movement and Intercellular Interactions
10:50

Nanopodia - Thin, Fragile Membrane Projections with Roles in Cell Movement and Intercellular Interactions

Published on: April 3, 2014

Membrane nanotubes: novel communication between distant cells.

Jianghui Zhang1, Youyi Zhang

  • 1Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides of Ministry of Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences of Ministry of Education and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Institute of Vascular Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.

Science China. Life Sciences
|September 7, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Tunneling nanotubes, also known as membrane nanotubes (MNTs), enable communication between distant cells. These dynamic tethers play roles in biological functions and diseases, requiring further investigation.

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Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Nanopodia - Thin, Fragile Membrane Projections with Roles in Cell Movement and Intercellular Interactions
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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Intercellular Communication

Background:

  • Cell-cell communication is crucial for biological functions.
  • Traditional structures like tight, adherens, and gap junctions primarily mediate communication between adjacent cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the role of tunneling nanotubes (membrane nanotubes, MNTs) in intercellular communication.
  • To underscore the significance of MNTs in connecting distant cells.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on tunneling nanotubes (MNTs).
  • Analysis of existing research on MNT structure, formation, and function.

Main Results:

  • Tunneling nanotubes (MNTs) are dynamic membrane tethers facilitating communication between distant cells.
  • MNTs are involved in various biological functions and pathological conditions.
  • Significant research exists on MNT structure, formation, and properties.

Conclusions:

  • Tunneling nanotubes (MNTs) represent a novel mechanism for intercellular communication.
  • Further research is essential to fully understand the implications of MNTs in biology and disease.