title: Cytonemes and tunneling nanotubules in cell-cell communication and viral pathogenesis.
abstract: Cells use a variety of intercellular structures, including gap junctions and synapses, for cell-cell communication. Here, we present recent advances in the understanding of thin membrane bridges that function in cell-cell signaling and intercellular transport. Cytonemes or filopodial bridges connect neighboring cells via mechanisms of adhesion, which enable ligand-receptor-mediated transfer of surface-associated cargoes from cell to cell. By contrast, tunneling nanotubes establish tubular conduits between cells that provide for the exchange of both cell-surface molecules and cytoplasmic content. We propose models for the biogenesis of both types of membrane bridges and describe how viruses use these structures for the purpose of cell-to-cell spread.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London School of Medicine, London Bridge, London SE19RT, UK.
authors.forename: Nathan M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Sherer
authors.forename: Walther
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mothes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D022081:Cell Surface Extensions / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011554:Pseudopodia / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D014780:Viruses / Q000378:metabolism