It was already suggested in the early ‘70's that RNA molecules might transfer between mammalian cells in culture. Yet, more direct evidence for RNA transfer in animal and plant cells was only provided decades later, as this field became established. In this mini-review, we will describe evidence for the transfer of different types of RNA between cells through tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). TNTs are long, yet thin, open-ended cellular protrusions that are structurally distinct from filopodia. TNTs connect cells and can transfer many types of cargo, including small molecules, proteins, vesicles, pathogens, and organelles. Recent work has shown that TNTs can also transfer mRNAs, viral RNAs and non-coding RNAs. Here, we will review the evidence for TNT-mediated RNA transfer, discuss the technical challenges in this field, and conjecture about the possible significance of this pathway in health and disease.
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February 2021
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On the implications of the copper co-factor in lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase. A brief overview of structure, oxygen activation and application as bioindustrial process tools for decomposition of lignocellulose. Further information can be found in the review by Ipsen and colleagues (pages 531–540). Image provided by Katja Johansen.
Review Article|
December 24 2020
RNA transfer through tunneling nanotubes
Gal Haimovich
;
Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
Correspondence: Gal Haimovich (gal.haimovich@weizmann.ac.il)
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Sandipan Dasgupta;
Sandipan Dasgupta
Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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Jeffrey E. Gerst
Jeffrey E. Gerst
Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
October 14 2020
Revision Received:
December 08 2020
Accepted:
December 10 2020
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society
2020
Biochem Soc Trans (2021) 49 (1): 145–160.
Article history
Received:
October 14 2020
Revision Received:
December 08 2020
Accepted:
December 10 2020
Citation
Gal Haimovich, Sandipan Dasgupta, Jeffrey E. Gerst; RNA transfer through tunneling nanotubes. Biochem Soc Trans 26 February 2021; 49 (1): 145–160. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20200113
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