Neuronal nanotubes mediate intercellular transport and illness. Credit score: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adr7403
Neurons within the mind talk with one another by means of synapses—connection factors that permit the passage {of electrical} and chemical indicators. In non-neuronal cells, direct cell-to-cell connections have been discovered to happen with the help of nanotube buildings. Specifically, tunneling nanotubes (TNT) have exhibited materials trade in some cell sorts. These TNTs have been documented in dissociated neurons within the mind, however their presence and performance in mature mind neurons was unclear.
Now, a bunch of scientists have recognized a brand new kind of nanotube that seems to be performing as a form of bridge, transporting supplies between dendrites—the branched projections on neurons. The research, printed in Science, describes what the group calls “dendritic nanotubes” or DNTs and their doable relationship to the buildup of the peptide amyloid-beta (Aβ), which is seen with Alzheimer’s illness.
The DNTs have been first recognized in mouse and human mind tissue utilizing superresolution microscopy (dSRRF) and electron microscopy. The actin-rich DNTs have been seen connecting the dendrites in mouse and human cortex. To tell apart DNTs from different dendritic buildings, the group used specialised imaging and machine learning-based evaluation.
“A machine learning–based classification confirmed that their shape was distinct from that of synaptic structures. In cultured neurons, we observed these nanotubes forming dynamically and confirmed that they possessed a distinct internal structure, setting them apart from other neuronal extensions,” the research authors write.
Serial axial planes of nonsynaptic dendritic filopodium alongside the entire contacting ranges to the opposite dendrite within the EM-resolved human mind (DF1; figs. S2A and S3A; H01 dataset). Axial step distance = 33 nm. Scale bar = 500 nm. Credit score: Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adr7403
These nanotubes additionally behaved in a different way than the better-known TNTs. DNTs didn’t exhibit the tunneling conduct TNTs use to move supplies. As an alternative, the ends have been closed off, thus incomes them a barely totally different title. Nonetheless, the DNTs did transport supplies, like calcium ions and small molecules.
The researchers wished to find out if these nanotubes would transport amyloid-beta to evaluate whether or not they have been able to contributing to the onset or development of Alzheimer’s illness. To do that, they inserted amyloid-beta right into a neuron in one of many slices of mouse mind. They discovered that the DNTs unfold the amyloid-beta peptides into the encompassing neurons. To affirm that the DNTs have been liable for the unfold, they then inhibited the nanotube formation, which then decreased the unfold of amyloid-beta.
The group carried out computational fashions to evaluate the affect of the amyloid-beta switch. They discovered that DNT density will increase earlier than amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer’s mannequin mice, suggesting a job in early illness.
“We found that the nanotube network was significantly altered early in the disease, even before the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of AD. Our computational model supported these findings, predicting that overactivation in the nanotube network could accelerate the toxic accumulation of amyloid in specific neurons, thereby providing a mechanistic link between nanotube alterations and the progression of AD pathology,” they clarify.
Nonetheless, a lot is unknown about these newfound buildings. Future work may also help to find out what different roles they could play in mind operate and illness. This work gives some beneficial new insights into how Alzheimer’s illness could unfold on the mobile degree, opening avenues for early intervention when higher understood.
Written for you by our creator Krystal Kasal, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan—this text is the results of cautious human work. We depend on readers such as you to maintain unbiased science journalism alive.
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Extra info:
Minhyeok Chang et al, Intercellular communication within the mind by means of a dendritic nanotubular community, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adr7403
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