Tunneling nanotubes in the nervous system: The fourth pillar of brain connectivity.

Tunneling nanotubes are increasingly recognized as a dynamic and functional layer of brain connectivity, potentially influencing neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and repair.

• Why it matters: Understanding all mechanisms of neural communication is crucial for comprehending brain function and disease progression, yet TNTs have been underappreciated in this context.
• What they did: The authors review emerging evidence of TNT presence and function in the brain, emphasizing their roles in physiological coordination and pathological spread, and propose a conceptual shift in neural connectivity.
• The result: This perspective highlights TNTs as a critical component of brain organization, guiding future experimental and theoretical research to elucidate their impact on neural health and disease.