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Updated: Feb 2, 2026
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BioMEMS and Cellular Biology: Perspectives and Applications
Published on: October 1, 2007
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Perspective on nanochannels as cellular mediators in different disease conditions
Eshna Jash1, Peeyush Prasad1, Naveen Kumar1
1Brain Metastasis and NeuroVascular Disease Modeling Lab, Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, NCR, India.
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|November 10, 2018
Summary
Tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) are actin-based cell structures enabling rapid transfer of cellular components and signals. This review explores TNTs
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Pathology
Background:
- Tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), or membrane nanochannels, are actin-based structures facilitating intercellular communication.
- These dynamic structures enable rapid transfer of signals, organelles, and membrane components between distant cells (up to 150 μm).
- TNTs are found in various cell types, including tumor cells, immune cells, and endothelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the heterogeneity of tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs).
- To elucidate the role of TNTs in different tissues and disease conditions.
- To enhance understanding of TNTs as potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs).
- Analysis of TNT formation and function in various cell types.
- Examination of TNT involvement in disease pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- TNTs are involved in intercellular communication, signal transduction, and transfer of cellular material.
- Increased TNT formation is observed in cancer, contributing to chemo-resistance.
- Viruses (HIV, HSV) and prions utilize TNTs for transmission and immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- TNTs exhibit significant heterogeneity and play diverse roles across tissues.
- TNTs are implicated in the progression of diseases like cancer and viral infections.
- Targeting TNTs presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.
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