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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.
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes and microvesicles, are small, nano-to-micrometer vesicles that are released from cells. While initially observed in immune cells and reticulocytes as vesicles meant to remove archaic proteins, now they have been observed in almost all cell types of multicellular organisms. Growing evidence indicates that extracellular vesicles, containing lipids, proteins and RNAs, represent an efficient way to transfer functional cargoes from one cell to another. In the central nervous system, the extensive cross-talk ongoing between neurons and glia, including microglia, the immune cells of the brain, takes advantage of secreted vesicles, which mediate intercellular communication over long range distance. Recent literature supports a critical role for extracellular vesicles in mediating complex and coordinated communication among neurons, astrocytes and microglia, both in the healthy and in the diseased brain. In this review, we focus on the biogenesis and function of microglia-related extracellular vesicles and focus on their putative role in Alzheimer's disease pathology.
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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