Extracellular vesicles and blood diseases.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Hematology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from diverse cell types via plasma membrane budding.
• EVs mediate intercellular communication by transferring functional RNA and proteins.
• Initially recognized for procoagulant activity, EVs also influence cellular responses and transport microRNAs (miRNAs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent literature on extracellular vesicles (EVs).
• To explore the role of EVs in vascular homeostasis and intercellular communication.
• To summarize clinical disorders associated with elevated EV levels.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on extracellular vesicles.
• Analysis of EV biogenesis, cargo, and intercellular transfer mechanisms.
• Examination of the association between EV levels and various clinical disorders.

Main Results:

• EVs from various cells, predominantly platelets, play roles in vascular function.
• EVs transfer bioactive molecules, including miRNAs, influencing target cell behavior.
• Increased EV levels are observed in numerous clinical disorders, particularly blood diseases.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular vesicles are critical mediators of intercellular communication with significant roles in vascular biology.
• The association of elevated EV levels with clinical disorders underscores their diagnostic and prognostic potential.
• Further research into EVs is crucial for understanding and treating blood-related diseases.