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Overview of Exosomes

Overview of Exosomes

Exosomes are stable, lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles capable of crossing biological barriers. They can carry a wide range of molecules required for intercellular communication. Once exosomes are released from the cell where they originated, they enter a recipient cell through various pathways such as fusion, receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile

Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile

Published on: June 13, 2016

Finding the exosome.

Phil Mitchell¹, David Tollervey

¹Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. p.j.mitchell@sheffield.ac.uk

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|May 31, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The exosome complex was identified through a blend of expertise, luck, and advanced technology. This discovery marked the beginning of significant advancements in the field of molecular biology.

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An Innovative Method for Exosome Quantification and Size Measurement

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Isolation and Characterization of RNA-Containing Exosomes

Published on: January 9, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile

Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile

Published on: June 13, 2016

An Innovative Method for Exosome Quantification and Size Measurement

An Innovative Method for Exosome Quantification and Size Measurement

Published on: January 17, 2015

Isolation and Characterization of RNA-Containing Exosomes

Isolation and Characterization of RNA-Containing Exosomes

Published on: January 9, 2012

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

The exosome complex plays a crucial role in cellular RNA processing and degradation.
Understanding the exosome's function is vital for comprehending gene expression regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

To recount the historical events leading to the discovery of the exosome complex.
To outline the early development and trajectory of research in the exosome field.

Main Methods:

Historical review of scientific literature and research milestones.
Analysis of key experimental approaches and technological advancements enabling the discovery.

Main Results:

The identification of the exosome complex resulted from a confluence of scientific skill and technological innovation.
Early research efforts established the fundamental roles of the exosome in cellular pathways.

Conclusions:

The discovery of the exosome exemplifies how scientific breakthroughs often depend on a combination of factors.
Subsequent research has continued to build upon this foundational discovery, expanding our knowledge of RNA metabolism.