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Exosomes/microvesicles as a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication

Giovanni Camussi1, Maria C Deregibus, Stefania Bruno

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Centre for Molecular Biotechnology and Centre for Research in Experimental Medicine, Torino, Italy. giovanni.camussi@unito.it

Kidney International
|August 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Microvesicles (MVs) are key in cell communication, transferring molecules like mRNA and proteins. This review explores their role in inflammation, kidney disease, and cancer, and how they enable genetic exchange between stem and injured cells.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Microvesicles (MVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released from cells.
  • They are involved in intercellular communication, transferring various biomolecules.
  • MVs can originate from endosomes (exosomes) or cell surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological effects of MVs in cell-to-cell communication.
  • To discuss the role of MVs in physiological and pathological conditions.
  • To explore MV involvement in inflammation, renal disease, tumor progression, and stem cell interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on microvesicles.
  • Analysis of research on MV-mediated intercellular communication.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding MV roles in disease and repair.

Main Results:

  • MVs facilitate cell-to-cell communication through direct interactions and biomolecule transfer.
  • Evidence suggests MVs are involved in inflammation, renal disease, and tumor progression.
  • Bidirectional genetic information exchange between stem and injured cells via MVs is supported by data.

Conclusions:

  • Microvesicles play a significant role in intercellular communication with implications for health and disease.
  • MV-mediated transfer of genetic material can influence stem cell behavior and tissue repair.
  • Understanding MV functions offers potential therapeutic strategies for various conditions.

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