Opportunities and Challenges in Tunneling Nanotubes Research: How Far from Clinical Application?

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 22; no. 5; p. 2306
• Main Authors: Han, Xiaoning, Wang, Xiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI 25.02.2021; MDPI AG
• Subjects: Animals; Biological Transport, Active - drug effects; Biological Transport, Active - genetics; Biological Transport, Active - physiology; Cell Communication - drug effects; Cell Communication - genetics; clinical application; communication efficiency; drug development; Drug Development - methods; heterogeneity; Humans; Infections - drug therapy; Infections - metabolism; intercellular communication; Intercellular Junctions - drug effects; Intercellular Junctions - metabolism; Intercellular Junctions - pathology; Intercellular Junctions - ultrastructure; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplasms - pathology; Neurodegenerative Diseases - drug therapy; Neurodegenerative Diseases - metabolism; Review; tunneling nanotubes; drug development; intercellular communication; tunneling nanotubes; clinical application; communication efficiency; heterogeneity
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052306

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are recognized long membrane nanotubes connecting distance cells. In the last decade, growing evidence has shown that these subcellular structures mediate the specific transfer of cellular materials, pathogens, and electrical signals between cells. As intercellular bridges, they play a unique role in embryonic development, collective cell migration, injured cell recovery, cancer treatment resistance, and pathogen propagation. Although TNTs have been considered as potential drug targets for treatment, there is still a long way to go to translate the research findings into clinical practice. Herein, we emphasize the heterogeneous nature of TNTs by systemically summarizing the current knowledge on their morphology, structure, and biogenesis in different types of cells. Furthermore, we address the communication efficiency and biological outcomes of TNT-dependent transport related to diseases. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of TNTs as an exciting therapeutic approach by focusing on the development of efficient and safe drugs targeting TNTs.