Rab8a/Rab11a regulate intercellular communications between neural cells via tunneling nanotubes.

ABSTRACT: Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are F-actin-based membrane tubes, and can form between cultured cells and within vital tissues. TNTs mediate intercellular communications that range from electrical signaling to the transfer of organelles. Following peripheral nerve injury, the orchestrated intercellular communications among neural and non-neural cells are required for effective nerve regeneration. It remains unknown whether TNTs exist between neural cells in the peripheral nerve system and how TNTs affect neural regeneration. To address these interesting questions, we investigated the transfer of neurotropic factors, membrane protein, cytoplasmic protein, mitochondria and RNA in functional TNTs formed between cultured Schwann cells (SCs). TNT-like structures were increased not only in cultured S

SUBMITTER: Zhu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5260982 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature