Hidden networks in the brain

IF 45.8 1区综合性期刊 Q1 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Science Pub Date : 2025-10-02 DOI:10.1126/science.aeb2962

Dimitri Budinger, Michael T. Heneka

引用次数: 0

Abstract

Intercellular communication is essential in multicellular organisms. Cells communicate through direct contact, using ligand-receptor interactions, and through the release of extracellular vesicles and diffusible messengers (1). Yet, there is also a more elusive form of intercellular connectivity: thin membranous bridges that allow the direct transfer of ions, proteins, and organelles (2). Known as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), these structures can connect immune cells (3), cancer cells (4), and stem cells (5), among others (6). However, their presence in the mammalian brain has remained difficult to prove. On page 43 of this issue, Chang et al. (7) report the observation of dendritic nanotubes (DNTs) in brain tissue from mice and humans. These thin, actin-based protrusions form bridges between neurons, transmitting calcium signals and even amyloid-β (Aβ), a key protein in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. The discovery suggests that the current understanding of the brain’s organization may be incomplete, overlooking a hidden layer of connectivity.

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大脑中隐藏的网络

细胞间通讯在多细胞生物中是必不可少的。细胞通过直接接触、利用配体-受体相互作用以及通过释放细胞外囊泡和扩散信使进行交流(1)。然而，还有一种更难以捉摸的细胞间连接形式：允许离子、蛋白质和细胞器直接转移的薄膜桥(2)。这些结构被称为隧道纳米管（TNTs），可以连接免疫细胞(3)、癌细胞(4)和干细胞(5)等。然而，它们在哺乳动物大脑中的存在仍然难以证明。在这期杂志的第43页，Chang等人(7)报道了他们在小鼠和人类脑组织中观察到的树突状纳米管（DNTs）。这些细小的、以肌动蛋白为基础的突起在神经元之间形成桥梁，传递钙信号，甚至传递淀粉样蛋白-β (a β)，这是阿尔茨海默病（AD）病理的关键蛋白。这一发现表明，目前对大脑组织的理解可能是不完整的，忽视了隐藏的连接层。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Science 综合性期刊-综合性期刊

CiteScore

61.10

自引率

0.90%

发文量

审稿时长

2.1 months

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