Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)

Extracellular Vesicles Latest News

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

About Extracellular Vesicles

• 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.
• Diagnostic markers: 
  • 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.
• Drug delivery: 
  • 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.
• Tissue engineering: 
  • 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.

News: NAT

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