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Toma HE, Oliveira D, Melo FMDE. Magnetic alignment of rhodamine/magnetite dual-labeled microtubules probed with inverted fluorescence microscopy. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210917. [PMID: 35920489 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular machines, as exemplified by the kinesin and microtubule system, are responsible for molecular transport in cells. The monitoring of the cellular machinery has attracted much attention in recent years, requiring sophisticated techniques such as optical tweezers, and dark field hyperspectral and fluorescence microscopies. It also demands suitable procedures for immobilization and labeling with functional agents such as dyes, plasmonic nanoparticles and quantum dots. In this work, microtubules were co-polymerized by incubating a tubulin mix consisting of 7 biotinylated tubulin to 3 rhodamine tubulin. Rhodamine provided the fluorescent tag, while biotin was the anchoring group for receiving streptavidin containing species. To control the microtubule alignment and consequently, the molecular gliding directions, functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles were employed in the presence of an external magnet field. Such iron oxide nanoparticles, (MagNPs) were previously coated with silica and (3-aminopro-pyl)triethoxysilane (APTS) and then modified with streptavidin (SA) for linking to the biotin-functionalized microtubules. In this way, the binding has been successfully performed, and the magnetic alignment probed by Inverted Fluorescence Microscopy. The proposed strategy has proved promising, as tested with one of the most important biological structures of the cellular machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Eisi Toma
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Oliveira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando M DE Melo
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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2
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Merolli A, Kasaei L, Ramasamy S, Kolloli A, Kumar R, Subbian S, Feldman LC. An intra-cytoplasmic route for SARS-CoV-2 transmission unveiled by Helium-ion microscopy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3794. [PMID: 35260703 PMCID: PMC8904465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virions enter the host cells by docking their spike glycoproteins to the membrane-bound Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2. After intracellular assembly, the newly formed virions are released from the infected cells to propagate the infection, using the extra-cytoplasmic ACE2 docking mechanism. However, the molecular events underpinning SARS-CoV-2 transmission between host cells are not fully understood. Here, we report the findings of a scanning Helium-ion microscopy study performed on Vero E6 cells infected with mNeonGreen-expressing SARS-CoV-2. Our data reveal, with unprecedented resolution, the presence of: (1) long tunneling nanotubes that connect two or more host cells over submillimeter distances; (2) large scale multiple cell fusion events (syncytia); and (3) abundant extracellular vesicles of various sizes. Taken together, these ultrastructural features describe a novel intra-cytoplasmic connection among SARS-CoV-2 infected cells that may act as an alternative route of viral transmission, disengaged from the well-known extra-cytoplasmic ACE2 docking mechanism. Such route may explain the elusiveness of SARS-CoV-2 to survive from the immune surveillance of the infected host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Merolli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University, 136 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA. .,Department Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers University, DLS Building, 145 Bevier Road, Room 108, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Leila Kasaei
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University, 136 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Santhamani Ramasamy
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Afsal Kolloli
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Selvakumar Subbian
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Leonard C Feldman
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University, 136 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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3
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Ortin‐Martinez A, Yan NE, Tsai ELS, Comanita L, Gurdita A, Tachibana N, Liu ZC, Lu S, Dolati P, Pokrajac NT, El‐Sehemy A, Nickerson PEB, Schuurmans C, Bremner R, Wallace VA. Photoreceptor nanotubes mediate the in vivo exchange of intracellular material. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107264. [PMID: 34494680 PMCID: PMC8591540 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that intracellular molecules and organelles transfer between cells during embryonic development, tissue homeostasis and disease. We and others recently showed that transplanted and host photoreceptors engage in bidirectional transfer of intracellular material in the recipient retina, a process termed material transfer (MT). We used cell transplantation, advanced tissue imaging approaches, genetic and pharmacologic interventions and primary cell culture to characterize and elucidate the mechanism of MT. We show that MT correlates with donor cell persistence and the accumulation of donor-derived proteins, mitochondria and transcripts in acceptor cells in vivo. MT requires cell contact in vitro and is associated with the formation of stable microtubule-containing protrusions, termed photoreceptor nanotubes (Ph NTs), that connect donor and host cells in vivo and in vitro. Ph NTs mediate GFP transfer between connected cells in vitro. Furthermore, interfering with Ph NT outgrowth by targeting Rho GTPase-dependent actin remodelling inhibits MT in vivo. Collectively, our observations provide evidence for horizontal exchange of intracellular material via nanotube-like connections between neurons in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Ortin‐Martinez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Nicole E Yan
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - En Leh Samuel Tsai
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Lacrimioara Comanita
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Akshay Gurdita
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Nobuhiko Tachibana
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Zhongda C Liu
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Suying Lu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research InstituteMount Sinai HospitalSinai Health SystemsTorontoONCanada
| | - Parnian Dolati
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Neno T Pokrajac
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Ahmed El‐Sehemy
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Philip E B Nickerson
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Sunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoONCanada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision SciencesUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Rod Bremner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research InstituteMount Sinai HospitalSinai Health SystemsTorontoONCanada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision SciencesUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye InstituteKrembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision SciencesUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
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4
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McMillen P, Oudin MJ, Levin M, Payne SL. Beyond Neurons: Long Distance Communication in Development and Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:739024. [PMID: 34621752 PMCID: PMC8491768 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.739024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication is important in all aspects of tissue and organism functioning, from the level of single cells, two discreet populations, and distant tissues of the body. Long distance communication networks integrate individual cells into tissues to maintain a complex organism during development, but when communication between cells goes awry, disease states such as cancer emerge. Herein we discuss the growing body of evidence suggesting that communication methods known to be employed by neurons, also exist in other cell types. We identify three major areas of long-distance communication: bioelectric signaling, tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and macrophage modulation of networks, and draw comparisons about how these systems operate in the context of development and cancer. Bioelectric signaling occurs between cells through exchange of ions and tissue-level electric fields, leading to changes in biochemical gradients and molecular signaling pathways to control normal development and tumor growth and invasion in cancer. TNTs transport key morphogens and other cargo long distances, mediating electrical coupling, tissue patterning, and malignancy of cancer cells. Lastly macrophages maintain long distance signaling networks through trafficking of vesicles during development, providing communication relays and priming favorable microenvironments for cancer metastasis. By drawing comparisons between non-neural long distance signaling in the context of development and cancer we aim to encourage crosstalk between the two fields to cultivate new hypotheses and potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McMillen
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Madeleine J Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
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5
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Matkó J, Tóth EA. Membrane nanotubes are ancient machinery for cell-to-cell communication and transport. Their interference with the immune system. Biol Futur 2021; 72:25-36. [PMID: 34554502 PMCID: PMC7869423 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-020-00062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nanotubular connections between mammalian cell types came into the focus only two decades ago, when “live cell super-resolution imaging” was introduced. Observations of these long-time overlooked structures led to understanding mechanisms of their growth/withdrawal and exploring some key genetic and signaling factors behind their formation. Unbelievable level of multiple supportive collaboration between tumor cells undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, cross-feeding” between independent bacterial strains or “cross-dressing” collaboration of immune cells promoting cellular immune response, all via nanotubes, have been explored recently. Key factors and "calling signals" determining the spatial directionality of their growth and their overall in vivo significance, however, still remained debated. Interestingly, prokaryotes, including even ancient archaebacteria, also seem to use such NT connections for intercellular communication. Herein, we will give a brief overview of current knowledge of membrane nanotubes and depict a simple model about their possible “historical role”.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Matkó
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Eszter Angéla Tóth
- ATRC Aurigon Toxicological Research Center, H-2120 Pálya utca 2, Dunakeszi, Hungary
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6
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Wang F, Chen X, Cheng H, Song L, Liu J, Caplan S, Zhu L, Wu JY. MICAL2PV suppresses the formation of tunneling nanotubes and modulates mitochondrial trafficking. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52006. [PMID: 34096155 PMCID: PMC8366454 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are actin-rich structures that connect two or more cells and mediate cargo exchange between spatially separated cells. TNTs transport signaling molecules, vesicles, organelles, and even pathogens. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating TNT formation remain unclear and little is known about the endogenous mechanisms suppressing TNT formation in lung cancer cells. Here, we report that MICAL2PV, a splicing isoform of the neuronal guidance gene MICAL2, is a novel TNT regulator that suppresses TNT formation and modulates mitochondrial distribution. MICAL2PV interacts with mitochondrial Rho GTPase Miro2 and regulates subcellular mitochondrial trafficking. Moreover, down-regulation of MICAL2PV enhances survival of cells treated with chemotherapeutical drugs. The monooxygenase (MO) domain of MICAL2PV is required for its activity to inhibit TNT formation by depolymerizing F-actin. Our data demonstrate a previously unrecognized function of MICAL2 in TNT formation and mitochondrial trafficking. Furthermore, our study uncovers a role of the MICAL2PV-Miro2 axis in mitochondrial trafficking, providing a mechanistic explanation for MICAL2PV activity in suppressing TNT formation and in modulating mitochondrial subcellular distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive ScienceInstitute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of NeurologyCenter for Genetic MedicineLurie Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Haipeng Cheng
- Department of NeurologyCenter for Genetic MedicineLurie Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Lu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive ScienceInstitute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jianghong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive ScienceInstitute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Steve Caplan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Li Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive ScienceInstitute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jane Y Wu
- Department of NeurologyCenter for Genetic MedicineLurie Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
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7
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Cordero Cervantes D, Zurzolo C. Peering into tunneling nanotubes-The path forward. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105789. [PMID: 33646572 PMCID: PMC8047439 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of Tunneling Nanotubes (TNTs) and TNT-like structures signified a critical turning point in the field of cell-cell communication. With hypothesized roles in development and disease progression, TNTs' ability to transport biological cargo between distant cells has elevated these structures to a unique and privileged position among other mechanisms of intercellular communication. However, the field faces numerous challenges-some of the most pressing issues being the demonstration of TNTs in vivo and understanding how they form and function. Another stumbling block is represented by the vast disparity in structures classified as TNTs. In order to address this ambiguity, we propose a clear nomenclature and provide a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge concerning TNTs. We also discuss their structure, formation-related pathways, biological function, as well as their proposed role in disease. Furthermore, we pinpoint gaps and dichotomies found across the field and highlight unexplored research avenues. Lastly, we review the methods employed to date and suggest the application of new technologies to better understand these elusive biological structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Zurzolo
- Institut PasteurMembrane Traffic and PathogenesisParisFrance
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8
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Subramaniam S. Rhes Tunnels: A Radical New Way of Communication in the Brain's Striatum? Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900231. [PMID: 32236969 PMCID: PMC7310467 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ras homolog enriched in the striatum (Rhes) is a striatal enriched protein that promotes the formation of thin membranous tubes resembling tunneling nanotubes (TNT)-"Rhes tunnels"-that connect neighboring cell and transport cargoes: vesicles and proteins between the neuronal cells. Here the literature on TNT-like structures is reviewed, and the implications of Rhes-mediated TNT, the mechanisms of its formation, and its potential in novel cell-to-cell communication in regulating striatal biology and disease are emphasized. Thought-provoking ideas regarding how Rhes-mediated TNT, if it exists, in vivo, would radically change the way neurons communicate in the brain are discussed.
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