Progress
Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 9, 431-436 (June 2008) | doi:10.1038/nrm2399
Membrane nanotubes: dynamic long-distance connections between animal cells
Daniel M. Davis1 & Stefanie Sowinski1 About the authors
Abstract
Membrane nanotubes are transient long-distance connections between cells that can facilitate intercellular communication (for example, by trafficking vesicles or transmitting calcium-mediated signals), but they can also contribute to pathologies (for example, by directing the spread of viruses). Recent data have revealed considerable heterogeneity in their structures, processes of formation and functional properties, in part dependent on the cell types involved. Despite recent progress in this young research field, further research is sorely needed.
Author affiliations
- Daniel M. Davis and Stefanie Sowinski are at the Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
Correspondence to: Daniel M. Davis1 Email: d.davis@imperial.ac.uk
Published online 23 April 2008
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