Pseudorabies Virus US3-Induced Tunneling Nanotubes Contain Stabilized Microtubules, Interact with Neighboring Cells via Cadherins, and Allow Intercellular Molecular Communication.

ABSTRACT: Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long bridge-like structures that connect eukaryotic cells and mediate intercellular communication. We found earlier that the conserved alphaherpesvirus US3 protein kinase induces long cell projections that contact distant cells and promote intercellular virus spread. In this report, we show that the US3-induced cell projections constitute TNTs. In addition, we report that US3-induced TNTs mediate intercellular transport of information (e.g., green fluorescent protein [GFP]) in the absence of other viral proteins. US3-induced TNTs are remarkably stable compared to most TNTs described in the literature. In line with this, US3-induced TNTs were found to contain stabilized (acetylated and detyrosinated) microtubules. Transmission electron microscopy showed that v

SUBMITTER: Jansens RJJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5599745 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature