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Extracellular Vesicles

Kumari Sonali

Extracellular Vesicles:

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can modify pathological progression in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease in older adults, by spreading pathogenic factors.

  • EVs are small membranous nanoparticles secreted by all types of cells into the extracellular space.
  • They can be found in numerous bodily fluids, including blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and more.
  • The biochemical composition of EVs mainly consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  • Derived from cells, EVs obtain their appearance based on the cargo transferred from the donor cells, known as their molecular signature.
  • Unlike other cellular components, EVs are not capable of replication.
  • EVs are broadly classified into:
    • Exosomes (30–150 nm): Originate from endosomal compartments.
    • Microvesicles (100–1000 nm): Shed directly from the plasma membrane.
    • Apoptotic bodies (>1000 nm): Released by dying cells.
  • EVs have a wide range of uses in various fields, and their therapeutic potential is currently being explored in many preclinical and clinical studies.
    Intercellular communication:
  • EVs play an important role in intercellular communication by transferring biological molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, between cells.
  • This process can influence various physiological and pathological processes, including immune response, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression.
  • EVs can serve as diagnostic markers for various diseases, as they contain biomolecules that reflect the physiological state of the parent cell.
  • For example, circulating EVs have been shown to contain biomarkers for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and their analysis can aid in disease diagnosis and prognosis.
  • EVs can be engineered to deliver therapeutic molecules, such as drugs or nucleic acids, to target cells.
  • These offer several advantages over traditional drug delivery systems, including high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and the ability to cross biological barriers.
  • EVs can promote tissue regeneration and repair by modulating cellular behavior and signaling pathways.
  • These have been used in various tissue engineering applications, including bone regeneration, cartilage repair, and wound healing.