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Specialized Intercellular Communications via Cytonemes and Nanotubes
Yukiko M Yamashita1, Mayu Inaba2, Michael Buszczak3
1Life Sciences Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA;
Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology
|August 4, 2018
Summary
Thin membrane protrusions like cytonemes and tunneling nanotubes offer specific intercellular communication. This ubiquitous mechanism is vital in diverse systems and implicated in diseases such as cancer and infections.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intercellular communication is crucial for multicellular organisms.
- Traditional mechanisms include secretion and diffusion.
- Novel mechanisms involving direct cell-to-cell contact are emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of protrusion-based intercellular communication.
- To highlight the significance of cytonemes and tunneling nanotubes.
- To discuss the role of this communication in health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on protrusion-based communication.
- Analysis of experimental evidence identifying cytonemes and tunneling nanotubes.
- Synthesis of findings across diverse biological systems.
Main Results:
- Thin membrane protrusions, including cytonemes and tunneling nanotubes, represent a significant mode of intercellular signaling.
- Protrusion-based communication offers advantages over traditional methods, enabling specific cell interactions.
- This communication mechanism is widespread across various cell types and biological contexts.
Conclusions:
- Protrusion-based intercellular communication is a fundamental biological process.
- Its involvement in pathogenesis, particularly in cancers and infections, warrants further investigation.
- Understanding these novel communication pathways is key to advancing cell biology and disease research.
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