Tubular bridges for bronchial epithelial cell migration and communication.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biological processes from embryogenesis to tumorigenesis rely on the coordinated coalescence of cells and synchronized cell-to-cell communication. Intercellular signaling enables cell masses to communicate through endocrine pathways at a distance or by direct contact over shorter dimensions. Cellular bridges, the longest direct connections between cells, facilitate transfer of cellular signals and components over hundreds of microns in vitro and in vivo.

Methodology/principal findings

Using various cellular imaging techniques on human tissue cultures, we identified two types of tubular, bronchial epithelial (EP) connections, up to a millimeter in length, designated EP bridges. Structurally distinct from other cellular connections, the first type of EP bridge may m

SUBMITTER: Zani BG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2812493 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature