Cellular dynamics and communication lab

Using cell biological techniques in combination with molecular imaging, proteomics and bioinformatics as central tools, our group is addressing the following field of interest:

(A to D) Architecture of TNTs between cultured PC12 cells. Wheat germ agglutinin–stained PC12 cells were analyzed by 3D live-cell microscopy. Cells are connected via one (A) or several TNTs (B) with surrounding cells. Rarely, branched TNTs were observed [(C), arrow]. In (D) a selected (x-z) section obtained from a confocal 3D reconstruction is shown. (E) TNTs contain actin but no microtubules. Fixed PC12 cells were immunostained with an antibody against α-tubulin (green), phalloidine–fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) (red), and DAPI (blue). A single (x-y) section of a deconvolved 3D reconstruction is shown. The inset depicts the corresponding (x-z) section through the marked TNT (arrow). (F and G) Ultrastructure of TNTs. PC12 cells analyzed by SEM (F) or TEM (G) of consecutive 80-nm sections (G1, G2). For boxed areas, higher magnification images are shown (F1 to F3, G1, G2). Open arrowhead, secretory granule. Scale bars: (A to E), 15 μm; (F), 10 μm; (G), 2 μm; (F1 to F3, G1, G2), 200 nm.

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Bilde av BB-bygget, hvor Institutt for biomedisin er lokalisert

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UiB

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Main content

Recently, we have discovered that cells are connected by thin membrane tubes (Rustom et al., Science 2004). These tubes, referred to as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), mediate membrane continuity between connected cells and lead to complex cellular networks. TNTs were shown to accomplish the selective uni-directional transfer of endosome-like organelles and to a lower extent also membrane components. The data suggest a new biological principle of cell-to-cell communication based on membrane continuity and intercellular transfer of cellular components like organelles and signaling molecules. It now emerges that TNT-based communication is a widespread mechanism throughout the animal kingdom which includes cellular differentiation, proliferation and development of diseases.

Based on these findings, our research is focusing on the characterization of the structure and function of TNTs in various cell systems. In an interdisciplinary nanobiotechnology approach, we are studying nanotube-mediated intercellular communication. Furthermore, we are investigating the role of TNTs during tumor formation and development.

21.09.2023