Intercellular mRNA trafficking via membrane nanotube-like extensions in mammalian cells (original) (raw)
NASA/ADS
;
- Ecker, Christopher M. ;
- Dunagin, Margaret C. ;
- Eggan, Elliott ;
- Raj, Arjun ;
- Gerst, Jeffrey E. ;
- Singer, Robert H.
Abstract
mRNA molecules convey genetic information within cells, beginning from genes in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cell body, where they are translated into proteins. Here we show a mode of transferring genetic information from one cell to another. Contrary to previous publications suggesting that mRNAs transfer via extracellular vesicles, we provide visual and quantitative data showing that mRNAs transfer via membrane nanotubes and direct cell-to-cell contact. We predict that this process has a major role in regulating local cellular environments with respect to tissue development and maintenance and cellular responses to stress, interactions with parasites, tissue transplants, and the tumor microenvironment.
Publication:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
Pub Date:
November 2017
DOI:
Bibcode: