title: Membrane nanotube formation in osteoclastogenesis.
abstract: Membrane tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are unique intercellular structures, which enable rapid transport of various materials and rapid communication between cells present in a long distance. During osteoclastogenesis, mononuclear osteoclast precursors form abundant TNTs in prior to cell-cell fusion. Here we introduce a protocol for detecting TNTs during osteoclastogenesis by use of live cell imaging utilizing a confocal laser microscopy. We also demonstrate a standard protocol for observation of TNTs by scanning electron microscope.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Oral Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan, kukitat@dent.kyushu-u.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kukita
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Jing-Qi
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kukita
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D001862:Bone Resorption; D002450:Cell Communication; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002460:Cell Line; D021961:Cell Membrane Structures; D058948:Cell Tracking; D015870:Gene Expression; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D051379:Mice; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000378:metabolism; D021381:Protein Transport
chemical_list: D010743:Phospholipids