CCT4 promotes tunneling nanotube formation.

ABSTRACT: Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are membranous tunnel-like structures that mediate cell-to-cell communication, although the molecular mechanisms of TNT formation are not fully understood. T-complex protein 1 subunit delta (CCT4) serves as a component of the chaperonin-containing TCP1 complex (TRiC) and also functions as a monomer. Here, we report that monomeric CCT4 promotes TNT formation in mammalian cultured cells. The expression of GFP-CCT4 proteins, which are not incorporated into the chaperonin oligomer, induces the formation of nanotubes containing actin fibers and mitochondria. CCT4 proteins are transported intercellularly via these nanotubes. The expression of monomeric CCT4 enhances microtubule dynamics and increases tubulin-containing TNTs. Our results suggest a newly identified funct

SUBMITTER: Enomoto M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12793717 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature