Extracellular Vehicles (EVs)

Extracellular Vehicles (EVs)

Definition

Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are nano-sized, membrane-bound structures released by cells into the extracellular space. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication and transport various biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (such as RNA and DNA), between cells. EVs are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including immune responses, tumor progression, and cellular signaling.

Characteristics of Extracellular Vehicles

Types of EVs:

• Exosomes: Small vesicles (30-150 nm) formed by the inward budding of the endosomal membrane, which are released when multivesicular bodies fuse with the plasma membrane.
• Microvesicles: Larger vesicles (100 nm to 1 µm) that bud directly from the plasma membrane.
• Apoptotic Bodies: Released from dying cells and can vary in size (50 nm to several micrometers).

Composition:

• EVs contain a diverse array of cargo, including proteins (e.g., receptors, enzymes), lipids (e.g., cholesterol, phospholipids), and nucleic acids (e.g., mRNA, microRNA). The specific composition of EVs reflects their cell of origin and can provide insights into the physiological state of those cells.

Biogenesis:

• The formation of EVs involves complex cellular processes. Exosomes originate from endosomal compartments, while microvesicles form through direct outward budding from the plasma membrane. The mechanisms underlying EV biogenesis are still an active area of research.

Functions:

• EVs facilitate cell-to-cell communication by transferring their cargo to recipient cells, influencing various biological processes such as immune modulation, tissue repair, and cancer metastasis. They can also serve as biomarkers for diseases due to their presence in various bodily fluids.

Clinical Relevance:

• Due to their role in intercellular communication and disease progression, EVs are being investigated for their potential use in diagnostics and therapeutics. They may serve as biomarkers for early disease detection or as vehicles for drug delivery in targeted therapies.

Conclusion

Extracellular vesicles are essential components of cellular communication and play significant roles in health and disease. Their ability to carry bioactive molecules makes them valuable targets for research in diagnostics and therapeutic applications.

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References

1. Zaborowski, M.P., Balaj, L., Breakefield, X.O., & Lai, C.P. (2015). Extracellular Vesicles: Composition, Biological Relevance, and Methods of Study. BioScience, 65(8), 783-797. DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biv084.
2. Thery, C., Witwer, K.W., & Aikawa, E. (2018). Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): A Position Statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and Update of the MISEV Guidelines. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 7(1), 1535750. DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2018.1535750.
3. van der Pol, E., Böing, A.N., Harrison, P., et al. (2012). Classification, Functions, and Clinical Relevance of Extracellular Vesicles. Pharmacological Reviews, 64(3), 676-705. DOI: 10.1124/pr.112.005982.
4. Raposo, G., & Stoorvogel, W. (2013). Extracellular Vesicles: Exosomes, Microvesicles, and Friends. Journal of Cell Biology, 200(4), 373-383. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201211138.
5. Abcam (n.d.). Extracellular Vesicles Pathway – Overview and Significance in Cellular Communication. Retrieved from Abcam.