动物特络细胞的研究进展

特络细胞是一种新型间质细胞,其最显著的形态特征是具有极其细长且粗细不均而呈念珠形的细胞突起,可以和周围的同/异型细胞、血管、神经末梢等形成细胞连接。特络细胞还可释放细胞外囊泡(EVs)和其他信号分子,从而发挥其潜在的生理功能。先前的研究表明,特络细胞的功能与动物组织再生有关,因此对于低等动物特络细胞的研究有助于进一步理解其参与组织再生的机理,为人类再生医学提供参考。本文综述了近年来有关特络细胞在不同动物器官组织中的分布位置、免疫表型、超微结构特点、与周围细胞型的结构关系以及特络细胞功能的研究进展,探讨了已有研究中不同动物组织器官中特络细胞在超微结构上的差异,有助于进一步理解特络细胞的生物学特性与生理功能。

Advances in Research on Telocyte of Animals

Telocytes are a new type of interstitial cells. The most prominent morphological feature of telocytes is their very long and thin moniliform cellular prolongations with uneven thickness (telopodes) that can form cellular connections with surrounding homologous/heterogenous cells, blood vessels, and nerve endings. Telocytes are able to release extracellular vesicles and signal molecules, thus to exert their potential physiological functions. Previous studies have shown that the function of telocytes is related to the tissue regeneration in animals, therefore, the researches on telocytes in lower animals can help to further understand the mechanism of how telocytes participate in tissue regeneration and provide insights into human regenerative medicine. This review article summarizes the recent advances in researches on telocytes including their organ loeations, immunophenotypes, ultrastructural characteristics, structural relationships with surrounding cells, and functions in different animal species. The ultrastructure differences of telocytes in tissues and organs of different animals are also discussed. This review aims to help researchers further understand the biological characteristics and potential physiological functions of telocytes.