Short description: Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are cellular junctions that enable cell-to-cell transport and communication and other physiological and pathological functions. In a recent study, we discovered that host cells infected with Chlamydia use TNTs to export bacteria to uninfected neighboring cells. The aim of the project is to decipher the molecular and cellular processes involved in cellular biogenesis and appropriation/utilization of TNTs by chlamydiae. To this end, we will use cellular and molecular biological methods to characterize how chlamydiae misuse and manipulate TNT formation to spread infection between neighboring cells. In addition, we will identify cellular host and pathogen proteins involved in this interaction. We will also investigate the effects of oxidative stress and stress adaptors on TNT formation and stability and analyze the involvement of the chlamydial IncA protein in TNT-mediated transmission. In addition, we will focus on TNT transmission of Chlamydiae under hypoxia and in persistent cell infections induced by antibiotic treatment where IncA expression and function is maintained. The aim of our studies is to gain an understanding of how Chlamydiae exploit intercellular communication mechanisms to export infections directly through cell-to-cell contact.
Project participants from FLI:
Bidiepta Saha
