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Author Spotlight: Bidirectional Mitochondrial Transfer between MSCs and Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells — Pathways and In Vivo Challenges
Published on: October 4, 2024
Long range physical cell-to-cell signalling via mitochondria inside membrane nanotubes: a hypothesis
1Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstr. 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. Felix.Scholkmann@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Coordinated interaction of single cells by cell-to-cell communication (signalling) enables complex behaviour necessary for the functioning of multicellular organisms. A quite newly discovered cell-to-cell signalling mechanism relies on nanotubular cell-co-cell connections, termed "membrane nanotubes" (MNTs). The present paper presents the hypothesis that mitochondria inside MNTs can form a connected structure (mitochondrial network) which enables the exchange of energy and signals between cells. It is proposed that two modes of energy and signal transmission may occur: electrical/electrochemical and electromagnetic (optical). Experimental work supporting the hypothesis is reviewed, and suggestions for future research regarding the discussed topic are given.
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