The many kinds of cell structures involved in cell-cell communication include tight junction,adherens junction and gap junction,but almost all are between adjacent cells.Recently,a general and dynamic membrane tether,...The many kinds of cell structures involved in cell-cell communication include tight junction,adherens junction and gap junction,but almost all are between adjacent cells.Recently,a general and dynamic membrane tether,termed tunneling nanotubes or membrane nanotubes(MNTs),was discovered to be involved in communication between distant cells.By facilitating intercellular communication,MNTs contribute to many biological functions and pathologic changes in cells.Many works have revealed the structure,formation and functional properties of MNTs.However,as novel structures,further research is needed.展开更多
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2013CB933701)the Projects of International Cooperation and Exchanges of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30910103902)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81270159)
文摘The many kinds of cell structures involved in cell-cell communication include tight junction,adherens junction and gap junction,but almost all are between adjacent cells.Recently,a general and dynamic membrane tether,termed tunneling nanotubes or membrane nanotubes(MNTs),was discovered to be involved in communication between distant cells.By facilitating intercellular communication,MNTs contribute to many biological functions and pathologic changes in cells.Many works have revealed the structure,formation and functional properties of MNTs.However,as novel structures,further research is needed.