Tunneling Nanotubes and Intercellular Protrusions

In the past decade, there has been an increased focus on novel cellular extensions and their potential roles in facilitating human diseases, including neurologic diseases, viral infectious diseases, cancer, and others. One of the exciting new aspects of this field is improved characterization and understanding of the functions and potential mechanisms of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). TNTs are actin-based filamentous protrusions that are structurally distinct from filopodia. They form and connect cells at long distances and serve as direct conduits for intercellular communication in a wide range of cell types in vitro and in vivo. Researchers are increasinly entering this field and investigating the role of TNTs in mediating cancer cell invasion and drug resistance, cellular transfer of proteins, RNA or organelles, and intercellular spread of infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria and prions.

This FASEB Catalyst Conference will be an exciting forum for discussing new discoveries in the field of tunneling nanotubes and related cell protrusions, and their potential implications for human disease.

Organizer: Emil Lou, MD, PhD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota

Registration Fee: $0