Bacterial nanotubes: conduits for intercellular molecular trafficking

We have previously identified a mode of bacterial communication mediated by membranous nanotubes, bridging neighboring cells. Utilizing Bacillus subtilis (Bs) as a model organism, we provided evidence that nanotubes serve as conduits for intercellular trade of cytoplasmic fluorescent molecules, antibiotic resistance proteins, toxic proteins and non-conjugative plasmids, yet components enabling their biogenesis remain elusive. I will describe our new findings of a highly conserved bacterial membranous protein complex, termed CORE, that serves as a platform for nanotube generation in Bs. Furthermore, deleting CORE genes in distinct species established that CORE-mediated nanotube formation is widespread. In addition, exogenous COREs from diverse species could restore nanotube generation and functionality in Bs lacking endogenous CORE. I will further show that the same CORE-nanotube machinery is operated by pathogenic bacteria to extract nutrients from infected human host cells. Hence, I will provide evidence supporting the view that nanotubes serve as a ubiquitous platform that facilitates both intra- and inter-kingdom molecular exchange.