You are invited to the upcoming talk on Nanotubes: Reshaping connectivity and role in the spreading of neurodegenerative diseases.
Date: 27 September 2023, Wednesday
Time: 3-4pm
Venue: Amphitheatre, Level 2, Duke-NUS
Presenter:
Professor Chiara Zurzolo
Head, Membrane Trafficking and Pathogenesis Unit
Co-director, Brain Connectivity & Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Program
Institut Pasteur (Paris)
Abstract:
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are actin-based cellular connections that allow the transport of different cellular components between cells. The structure and function of TNTs have been characterized in
several cell types, including neurons and astrocytes. Under homeostatic conditions, TNTs transport different vesicular cargoes and entire organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes. However, they can
be hijacked by different pathogens and amyloid proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson´s (PD) Alzheimer’s (AD). We have previously demonstrated that both alpha-synuclein
and Tau aggregates, respectively the hallmark of PD and AD, can be spread - via TNTs. In my talk I will address the similarities and differences between TNT-mediated diffusion of these two types of
aggregates, in order to identify common pathways leading to neurodegeneration. I will also assess the likelihood of TNT in vivo. Our most recent data indicate that TNT-like connections are present in
the developing brain. Our hypothesis is that TNTs precede synaptic connections for the establishment of mature neuronal networks while in the adult tissue they are induced by stressful and inflammatory
stimuli.
