Intercellular nanotubular networks mediate material exchange, but their existence in neurons remains to be explored in detail. We identified long, thin dendritic filopodia forming direct dendrite–dend...

The neuroprotective transfer of mitochondria from astrocytes to neurons has been primarily investigated by labelling astrocytic mitochondria with the dye MitoTracker. Here we report that MitoTracker transfers to neurons from both astrocytes and astrocyte-conditioned media, independently of mitochondrial transfer. Our observations should prompt an essential re-evaluation of the literature concerning astrocyte-neuron mitochondrial transfer and in other systems in which contact-independent transfer has been observed using mitochondrial dyes. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. MSD (United Kingdom), https://ror.org/004nn4n27, PRJ_20446 DEVINE MSD MRC The Francis Crick Institute, https://ror.org/04tnbqb63, CC2206

Cancer cells can acquire energy-generating structures called mitochondria from nearby nerve cells, which seems to aid their spread, a discovery that could lead to new treatments

A study reports the development of a method to trace intercellular transfer of mitochondria, and demonstrates that cancer cells that receive mitochondria from neurons have enhanced metastatic capabilities.

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) represent a major form of intercellular communication, enabling material

Recent therapeutic advances have improved survival rates for patients with lung cancer. However, drug resistance remains a significant challenge and i…

Huot et al. show that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) regulates the persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in bronchoalveolar macrophages from cynomolgus macaques up to 18 mo...

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are thin, dynamic, long membrane protrusions that allow intercellular exchanges of signaling clues, molecules and organelles. The presence of TNTs and their involvement as d...

Infection with Zika virus in pregnancy can lead to neurological disorders, fetal abnormalities and fetal death. Until now, how the virus manages to cross the placenta, which nurtures the developing fetus and forms a strong barrier against microbes and chemicals that could harm the fetus, has not been clear.

Michita et al. show that Zika virus (ZIKV) NS1 induces tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in placental cells, which facilitate viral spread and transport of mitochondria in placental cells. Infection with a NS1 mutant ZIKV not inducing TNTs results in a higher interferon response than wild-type ZIKV infection.

In the developing mammalian heart, the endocardium and the myocardium are separated by so-called cardiac jelly. Communication between the endocardium and the myocardium is essential for cardiac morpho...