Cell-to-cell Communication by Extracellular Vesicles: Focus on Microglia

Rosa C Paolicelli1, Giorgio Bergamini2, Lawrence Rajendran1

  • 1Systems and Cell Biology of Neurodegeneration, IREM - Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Neuroscience
|April 17, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from microglia play a key role in brain communication. This review explores their function and involvement in Alzheimer's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are released from nearly all cell types.
  • EVs mediate intercellular communication by transferring lipids, proteins, and RNAs.
  • In the central nervous system, EVs facilitate communication between neurons and glia, such as microglia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biogenesis and function of microglia-derived EVs.
  • To explore the role of microglia-related EVs in Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on extracellular vesicles.
  • Focus on microglia-related EVs and their functions.
  • Analysis of EV involvement in neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease.

Main Results:

  • Extracellular vesicles are crucial for extensive cross-talk among neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
  • Microglia-derived EVs contribute to intercellular communication in both healthy and diseased brains.
  • Evidence suggests a significant role for these EVs in Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia-derived extracellular vesicles are vital mediators of neural communication.
  • Understanding their function is critical for elucidating Alzheimer's disease mechanisms.
  • Further research into microglia EVs may offer therapeutic insights for neurodegenerative diseases.

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