Extracellular vesicles

Definition

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound particles released by cells into the extracellular environment, playing crucial roles in intercellular communication. These vesicles can carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, acting as vehicles for transporting biological information between cells. By mediating communication between the microbiome and host cells, EVs contribute to various physiological processes, including immune responses and metabolic regulation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extracellular vesicles can be classified into different types based on their size and origin, primarily including microvesicles and exosomes.
2. These vesicles play a significant role in mediating immune responses by transferring signals and modulating the activity of target cells.
3. Extracellular vesicles are involved in the transfer of genetic material, including mRNA and microRNA, which can influence gene expression in recipient cells.
4. The composition of extracellular vesicles can vary based on the cell type they originate from, making them potential biomarkers for various diseases.
5. Research is ongoing to explore the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles in delivering drugs or genetic material for disease treatment.

Review Questions

• How do extracellular vesicles facilitate communication between microbiomes and host cells?
  • Extracellular vesicles facilitate communication between microbiomes and host cells by carrying biological signals that can influence cellular functions. These vesicles contain various molecules like proteins and RNAs that can alter gene expression or modulate immune responses in host cells. This intercellular communication helps maintain homeostasis and can affect overall health by responding to changes in the microbiome.
• Evaluate the significance of the cargo contained within extracellular vesicles for influencing host physiology.
  • The cargo within extracellular vesicles is significant because it contains essential biomolecules like proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that directly impact host physiology. For example, specific proteins can enhance or suppress immune responses while RNAs can regulate gene expression in target cells. By influencing various biological processes, the cargo plays a critical role in how extracellular vesicles mediate interactions between the microbiome and host organisms.
• Analyze the potential implications of using extracellular vesicles as therapeutic agents in medicine.
  • Using extracellular vesicles as therapeutic agents has significant implications due to their natural ability to deliver bioactive molecules effectively. Their capacity to encapsulate various types of cargo allows for targeted therapy that can minimize side effects compared to traditional drug delivery systems. Additionally, since these vesicles are derived from biological sources, they may have improved biocompatibility and reduced immunogenicity. As research progresses, harnessing extracellular vesicles could revolutionize approaches for treating diseases by enabling personalized medicine strategies.

Related terms

Microvesicles: A type of extracellular vesicle that ranges from 100 nm to 1 µm in diameter, formed by the outward budding of the plasma membrane.

Exosomes: Small extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) formed within endosomes and released through exocytosis, known for their role in cell-to-cell communication.

Cargo: The biological molecules contained within extracellular vesicles, including proteins, RNAs, and lipids that facilitate signaling and communication.