Discovery of Dendritic Nanotubular Networks Enables New Form of Brain Cell Communication
By
marshfram
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown form of intercellular communication in the brain through dendritic nanotubular networks. Using super-resolution and electron microscopy, scientists identified nanotubular bridges that connect dendrites and facilitate the transport of materials including calcium ions, mitochondria, and pathogenic proteins like amyloid beta. These structures represent a noncanonical route of interneuronal communication beyond traditional synaptic connections, potentially playing roles in both normal brain function and neurodegenerative disease progression.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledSynaptic connections mediate classical intercellular communication in the brain.
Recent data have demonstrated the existence of noncanonical routes of interneuronal communication mediating the transport of materials including calcium, mitochondria, and pathogenic proteins such as amyloid beta (Aβ).
Using super-resolution and electron microscopy, Chang et al. identified and characterized structures called nanotubular bridges that connect dendrites in the brain.
These bridges mediate the transport of calcium ions, small molecules...
Intercellular nanotubular networks mediate material exchange, but their existence in neurons remains to be explored in detail.
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