Membrane nanotubes: dynamic long-distance connections between animal cells.

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol

Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.

Published: June 2008

Membrane nanotubes are transient long-distance connections between cells that can facilitate intercellular communication (for example, by trafficking vesicles or transmitting calcium-mediated signals), but they can also contribute to pathologies (for example, by directing the spread of viruses). Recent data have revealed considerable heterogeneity in their structures, processes of formation and functional properties, in part dependent on the cell types involved. Despite recent progress in this young research field, further research is sorely needed.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrm2399DOI Listing

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