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NANOMAT-Nanoteknologi og nye materialer

Characterization of nanotubular networks on cell adhesive micro- and nano-patterned surfaces

Tildelt: kr 3,2 mill.

Prosjektnummer:

172646

Søknadstype:

Prosjektperiode:

2005 - 2010

Project: Characterization of nanotubular networks on cell adhesive micro- and nano-patterned surfaces Recently we have discovered that mammalian cells are connected by thin membrane tubes. These tubes with a diameter of 50 to 200 nm are referred to as tu nneling nanotubes (TNTs). They are a continuation of the cell membrane and are formed de novo when filopodia-like projections of one cell make contact with a neighboring cell and can lead to complex cellular networks. TNTs were shown to accomplish the sel ective uni-directional transfer of endosome-like organelles between TNT-connected cells. The data suggest a new biological principle of cell-to-cell communication which may have important implications in various fields of biological research. Starting fro m these findings we will apply nanobiological approaches to study in depth the formation and regulation of these TNT-networks. Micro- and nano-patterned surfaces will be used as a central tool to generate defined conditions for cell growth and network for mation, in collaboration with Prof. JP Spatz (Heidelberg) and Prof. RW Bernstein (Oslo). Furthermore, in combination with microinjection of fluorescent probes, we will trace TNT-based communication to understand the principles of signal transfer and its e xpansion through the cellular network. These investigations can be regarded as a first step towards the long-term objective to use the nanotubular network for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery. In this respect tumor tissue will be one of the most relevant targets.

Budsjettformål:

NANOMAT-Nanoteknologi og nye materialer