1519-Tunneling Nanotubes-Fourth Pillar of Brain Connectivity
The paper examines tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), which are thin, actin-based bridges that facilitate the direct exchange of cellular material between distant cells in the central nervous system. These structures represent a newly recognized "fourth pillar" of brain connectivity, supplementing traditional pathways like synapses and gap junctions by transferring organelles, signaling molecules, and pathogens. While TNTs appear to support homeostasis and neuroprotection through mitochondrial and lysosomal sharing, they also serve as conduits for the spread of misfolded proteins and viruses in…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.