Role of tunneling nanotubes in neuroglia

• DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-01129
• Publication Date: 2025-03-28T04:11:28Z
• Authors: Weichen Xu; Xingyu Yang; Hongmei Zheng; Changzheng Chen; Jiajia Yuan

Abstract Tunneling nanotubes are crucial structures for cellular communication and are observed in a variety of cell types. Glial cells, the most abundant cells in the nervous system, play a vital role in intercellular signaling and can show abnormal activation under pathological conditions. Our bibliometric analysis indicated a substantial increase in research on tunneling nanotubes over the past two decades, highlighting their important role in cellular communication. This review focuses on the formation of tunneling nanotubes in various types of glial cells, including astrocytes, microglia, glioma cells, and Schwann cells, as well as their roles in cellular communication and cargo transport. We found that glial cells influence the stability of the neural system and play a role in nerve regeneration through tunneling nanotubes. Tunneling nanotubes facilitate the transmission and progression of diseases by transporting pathogens and harmful substances. However, they are also involved in alleviating cellular stress by removing toxins and delivering essential nutrients. Understanding the interactions between glial cells through tunneling nanotubes could provide valuable insights into the complex neural networks that govern brain function and responses to injury.