Panel A illustrates migrating neural crest cells connected by thin membrane projections. Panel B illustrates a zebrafish embryo with an enlarged inset showing interconnected cells. Panel C illustrates a neuron to neuron network linked by long cellular projections. Panel D illustrates interconnected pericytes surrounding endothelial blood vessels through cellular extensions. Panel E illustrates interconnected cancer cells linked by thin membrane projections. Panel F illustrates neurons connected to nearby cancer cells through long cellular projections.
TNTs can interconnect embryonic, adult, and/or malignant cells. These diagrams depict examples of the wide variety of cells known to become interconnected by TNTs or TNT-like structures. (A) Embryonic neural crest cells can be interconnected by long, thin TNT-like structures as they migrate during development. (B) During zebrafish gastrulation, the migrating embryonic cells have TNTs that link cells to other cells. (C) Neurons in the brain have TNT-mediated intercellular connections that form an interconnected network. (D) Pericytes can use TNTs to connect to other pericytes or even to endothelial cells in adjacent capillaries. (E) A wide variety of human cancer cell types display prominent linkages with other cancer cells via TNT-like structures also termed tumor microtubes. (F) Neurons can form TNT-mediated connections to malignant cells to promote tumor progression and protect against external stresses including hypoxia and chemotherapy.