Abstract
Membrane nanotubes (NTs) are dynamic communication channels connecting spatially separated cells even over long distances and promoting the transport of different cellular cargos. NTs are also involved in the intercellular spread of different pathogens and the deterioration of some neurological disorders. Transport processes via NTs may be controlled by cytoskeletal elements. NTs are frequently observed membrane projections in numerous mammalian cell lines, including various immune cells, but their functional significance in the 'antibody factory' B cells is poorly elucidated. Here, we report that as active channels, NTs of B-lymphoma cells can mediate bidirectional mitochondrial transport, promoted by the cooperation of two different cytoskeletal motor proteins, kinesin along microtubules and myosin VI along actin, and bidirectional transport processes are also supported by the heterogeneous arrangement of the main cytoskeletal filament systems of the NTs. We revealed that despite NTs and axons being different cell extensions, the mitochondrial transport they mediate may exhibit significant similarities. Furthermore, we found that microtubules may improve the stability and lifespan of B-lymphoma-cell NTs, while F-actin strengthens NTs by providing a structural framework for them. Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of the major cells of humoral immune response to infections.
Overview
- The study investigates the role of membrane nanotubes (NTs) in the transport of mitochondria in B-lymphoma cells, a type of white blood cell involved in the humoral immune response to infections. The study tests the hypothesis that NTs can mediate bidirectional mitochondrial transport in B-lymphoma cells, and that this process is regulated by cytoskeletal elements such as microtubules and actin. The methodology used for the experiment includes the observation of NTs in B-lymphoma cells and the measurement of mitochondrial transport using fluorescently labeled mitochondria. The primary objective of the study is to understand the functional significance of NTs in the humoral immune response to infections and to identify potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of related diseases.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The study found that NTs of B-lymphoma cells can mediate bidirectional mitochondrial transport, which is supported by the cooperation of two different cytoskeletal motor proteins, kinesin along microtubules and myosin VI along actin. The study also revealed that microtubules may improve the stability and lifespan of B-lymphoma-cell NTs, while F-actin strengthens NTs by providing a structural framework for them. The results of the study suggest that NTs may play a crucial role in the regulation of the humoral immune response to infections and that targeting NTs could be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of related diseases.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study's findings have significant implications for the field of research and clinical practice, as they provide insights into the functional significance of NTs in the humoral immune response to infections. The study also identifies potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of related diseases, such as targeting NTs to improve the stability and lifespan of B-lymphoma-cell NTs. Future research directions could include the exploration of the role of NTs in other types of cells and the development of targeted therapies that specifically target NTs. The study's findings could also contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of the major cells of the humoral immune response to infections, which could have important implications for the development of new vaccines and treatments for infectious diseases.