Long range physical cell-to-cell signalling via mitochondria inside membrane nanotubes: a hypothesis.
Coordinated interaction of single cells by cell-to-cell communication (signalling) enables complex behaviour necessary for the functioning of multicellular organisms. A quite newly discovered cell-to-cell signalling mechanism relies on nanotubular cell-co-cell connections, termed "membrane nanotubes" (MNTs). The present paper presents the hypothesis that mitochondria inside MNTs can form a connected structure (mitochondrial network) which enables the exchange of energy and signals between cells. It is proposed that two modes of energy and signal transmission may occur: electrical/electrochemical and electromagnetic (optical). Experimental work supporting the hypothesis is reviewed, and suggestions for future research regarding the discussed topic are given.
Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstr. 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. Felix.Scholkmann@gmail.com.|Research Office for Complex Physical and Biological Systems (ROCoS), Mutschellenstr. 179, 8038, Zurich, Switzerland. Felix.Scholkmann@gmail.com.
Felix
F
Scholkmann
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D015398:Signal Transduction
Cell-to-cell signalling; Filamentous mitochondria; Long-range signalling; Membrane nanotubes; Mitochondrial membrane potential; Mitochondrial networks; Mitochondrial reticulum; Ultra-weak photon emission