1
|
Resnik N, Baraga D, Glažar P, Jokhadar Zemljič Š, Derganc J, Sepčić K, Veranič P, Kreft ME. Molecular, morphological and functional properties of tunnelling nanotubes between normal and cancer urothelial cells: New insights from the in vitro model mimicking the situation after surgical removal of the urothelial tumor. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:934684. [PMID: 36601539 PMCID: PMC9806176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.934684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) are membranous connections that represent a unique type of intercellular communication in different cell types. They are associated with cell physiology and cancer pathology. The possible existence of tunnelling nanotubes communication between urothelial cancer and normal cells has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we analyzed TNTs formed by T24 cells (human invasive cancer urothelial cells) and normal porcine urothelial (NPU) cells, which serve as surrogate models for healthy human urothelial cells. Monocultures and cocultures of NPU and T24 cells were established and analyzed using live-cell imaging, optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. TNTs of NPU cells differed significantly from tunnelling nanotubes of T24 cells in number, length, diameter, lipid composition, and elastic properties. Membrane domains enriched in cholesterol/sphingomyelin were present in tunnelling nanotubes of T24 cells but not in NPU cells. The tunnelling nanotubes in T24 cells were also easier to bend than the tunnelling nanotubes in NPU cells. The tunnelling nanotubes of both cell types were predominantly tricytoskeletal, and contained actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules, as well as the motor proteins myosin Va, dynein, and kinesin 5B. Mitochondria were transported within tunnelling nanotubes in living cells, and were colocalized with microtubules and the microtubule-associated protein dynamin 2. In cocultures, heterocellular tunnelling nanotubes were formed between NPU cells and T24 cells and vice versa. The presence of connexin 43 at the end of urothelial tunnelling nanotubes suggests a junctional connection and the involvement of tunnelling nanotube in signal transduction. In this study, we established a novel urothelial cancer-normal coculture model and showed cells in the minority tend to form tunnelling nanotubes with cells in the majority. The condition with cancer cells in the minority is an attractive model to mimic the situation after surgical resection with remaining cancer cells and may help to understand cancer progression and recurrence. Our results shed light on the biological activity of tunnelling nanotubes and have the potential to advance the search for anticancer drugs that target tunnelling nanotubes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Resnik
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Diana Baraga
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Glažar
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Jokhadar Zemljič
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jure Derganc
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kristina Sepčić
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Veranič
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Erdani Kreft
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia,*Correspondence: Mateja Erdani Kreft,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Staufer O, Gantner G, Platzman I, Tanner K, Berger I, Spatz JP. Bottom-up assembly of viral replication cycles. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6530. [PMID: 36323671 PMCID: PMC9628313 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bottom-up synthetic biology provides new means to understand living matter by constructing minimal life-like systems. This principle can also be applied to study infectious diseases. Here we summarize approaches and ethical considerations for the bottom-up assembly of viral replication cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Staufer
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7FY, UK.
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Gösta Gantner
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Theological Seminary, Heidelberg University, Kisselgasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Tanner
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Theological Seminary, Heidelberg University, Kisselgasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Imre Berger
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Bristol Synthetic Biology Centre BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, 4 Tyndall Ave, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Max Planck-Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, 1 Tankard's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 225, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Staufer O, Hernandez Bücher JE, Fichtler J, Schröter M, Platzman I, Spatz JP. Vesicle Induced Receptor Sequestration: Mechanisms behind Extracellular Vesicle-Based Protein Signaling. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2200201. [PMID: 35233981 PMCID: PMC9069182 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are fundamental for proper physiological functioning of multicellular organisms. By shuttling nucleic acids and proteins between cells, EVs regulate a plethora of cellular processes, especially those involved in immune signalling. However, the mechanistic understanding concerning the biophysical principles underlying EV-based communication is still incomplete. Towards holistic understanding, particular mechanisms explaining why and when cells apply EV-based communication and how protein-based signalling is promoted by EV surfaces are sought. Here, the authors study vesicle-induced receptor sequestration (VIRS) as a universal mechanism augmenting the signalling potency of proteins presented on EV-membranes. By bottom-up reconstitution of synthetic EVs, the authors show that immobilization of the receptor ligands FasL and RANK on EV-like vesicles, increases their signalling potential by more than 100-fold compared to their soluble forms. Moreover, the authors perform diffusion simulations within immunological synapses to compare receptor activation between soluble and EV-presented proteins. By this the authors propose vesicle-triggered local clustering of membrane receptors as the principle structural mechanism underlying EV-based protein presentation. The authors conclude that EVs act as extracellular templates promoting the local aggregation of membrane receptors at the EV contact site, thereby fostering inter-protein interactions. The results uncover a potentially universal mechanism explaining the unique structural profit of EV-based intercellular signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Staufer
- Department for Cellular BiophysicsMax Planck Institute for Medical ResearchJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE)Heidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 225HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Max Planck‐Bristol Center for Minimal BiologyUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
- Max Planck School Matter to LifeJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
| | - Jochen Estebano Hernandez Bücher
- Department for Cellular BiophysicsMax Planck Institute for Medical ResearchJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE)Heidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 225HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
| | - Julius Fichtler
- Biophysical Engineering of Life GroupMax Planck Institute for Medical ResearchJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
| | - Martin Schröter
- Department for Cellular BiophysicsMax Planck Institute for Medical ResearchJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE)Heidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 225HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
| | - Ilia Platzman
- Department for Cellular BiophysicsMax Planck Institute for Medical ResearchJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE)Heidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 225HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Max Planck‐Bristol Center for Minimal BiologyUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
| | - Joachim P. Spatz
- Department for Cellular BiophysicsMax Planck Institute for Medical ResearchJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering (IMSE)Heidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 225HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
- Max Planck‐Bristol Center for Minimal BiologyUniversity of Bristol1 Tankard's CloseBristolBS8 1TDUK
- Max Planck School Matter to LifeJahnstraße 29HeidelbergD‐69120Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Staufer O, De Lora JA, Bailoni E, Bazrafshan A, Benk AS, Jahnke K, Manzer ZA, Otrin L, Díez Pérez T, Sharon J, Steinkühler J, Adamala KP, Jacobson B, Dogterom M, Göpfrich K, Stefanovic D, Atlas SR, Grunze M, Lakin MR, Shreve AP, Spatz JP, López GP. Building a community to engineer synthetic cells and organelles from the bottom-up. eLife 2021; 10:e73556. [PMID: 34927583 PMCID: PMC8716100 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Employing concepts from physics, chemistry and bioengineering, 'learning-by-building' approaches are becoming increasingly popular in the life sciences, especially with researchers who are attempting to engineer cellular life from scratch. The SynCell2020/21 conference brought together researchers from different disciplines to highlight progress in this field, including areas where synthetic cells are having socioeconomic and technological impact. Conference participants also identified the challenges involved in designing, manipulating and creating synthetic cells with hierarchical organization and function. A key conclusion is the need to build an international and interdisciplinary research community through enhanced communication, resource-sharing, and educational initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Staufer
- Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelbergGermany
- Max Planck School Matter to LifeHeidelbergGermany
- Max Planck Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Amelie S Benk
- Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelbergGermany
| | - Kevin Jahnke
- Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Lado Otrin
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical SystemsMagdeburgGermany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kerstin Göpfrich
- Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelbergGermany
- Max Planck School Matter to LifeHeidelbergGermany
| | | | | | - Michael Grunze
- Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelbergGermany
- Max Planck School Matter to LifeHeidelbergGermany
| | | | | | - Joachim P Spatz
- Max Planck Institute for Medical ResearchHeidelbergGermany
- Max Planck School Matter to LifeHeidelbergGermany
- Max Planck Bristol Center for Minimal Biology, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Zurzolo
- Institut PasteurMembrane Traffic and PathogenesisParisFrance
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Opportunities and Challenges in Tunneling Nanotubes Research: How Far from Clinical Application? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052306. [PMID: 33669068 PMCID: PMC7956326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are recognized long membrane nanotubes connecting distance cells. In the last decade, growing evidence has shown that these subcellular structures mediate the specific transfer of cellular materials, pathogens, and electrical signals between cells. As intercellular bridges, they play a unique role in embryonic development, collective cell migration, injured cell recovery, cancer treatment resistance, and pathogen propagation. Although TNTs have been considered as potential drug targets for treatment, there is still a long way to go to translate the research findings into clinical practice. Herein, we emphasize the heterogeneous nature of TNTs by systemically summarizing the current knowledge on their morphology, structure, and biogenesis in different types of cells. Furthermore, we address the communication efficiency and biological outcomes of TNT-dependent transport related to diseases. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of TNTs as an exciting therapeutic approach by focusing on the development of efficient and safe drugs targeting TNTs.
Collapse
|
7
|
Osswald M, Jung E, Wick W, Winkler F. Tunneling nanotube‐like structures in brain tumors. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Osswald
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Erik Jung
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| |
Collapse
|