Tunneling nanotube structures crucial for heart formation discovered

Researchers at the University of Houston are making progress in understanding heart formation. Mingfu Wu, an associate professor at the College of Pharmacy Drug Discovery Institute, has discovered important details that could help treat heart disease. His findings were published in the journal Science. Wu's research centers on tiny structures called Tunneling Nanotube-Like Structures (TNTLs). These long, thin channels connect heart cells and help them communicate. The study highlights how these structures play a key role in the heart's development, specifically between two main layers: the myocardium and the endocardium. Effective communication between these layers is vital for the heart to form and function correctly. The signals exchanged are especially important during the early development of trabeculae, which are structures that enhance blood supply within the heart before the coronary system develops. Using advanced imaging and genetic techniques, Wu and his team showed that TNTLs connect cardiomyocytes and endocardial cells. These connections allow cells to share important molecules and proteins, which are essential for heart formation. Disrupting TNTLs in embryonic hearts led to problems with heart structure and growth. Wu indicates that additional research could explore the processes behind TNTL formation and their potential role in treating congenital heart defects and heart failure.