From intra- to extracellular vesicles: extracellular vesicles in developmental signalling

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cell-to-cell communication is vital for development, occurring between adjacent and distant cells.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in long-distance signaling, transporting molecules like Hedgehog and Wnt.
• These signaling molecules require lipid modifications for membrane anchoring and EV packaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in EV involvement in long-distance developmental signaling.
• To highlight the role of protein complexes in EV biogenesis and cargo sorting.
• To provide a comprehensive perspective on EV-mediated signal secretion, reception, and transduction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on extracellular vesicle biogenesis and function.
• Analysis of protein complexes involved in endocytosis-dependent recycling and EV secretion.
• Examination of Hedgehog and Wnt pathway signaling via EVs.

Main Results:

• EVs facilitate the transport of key developmental signals, including Hedgehog and Wnt.
• Intracellular vesicle sorting, an endocytosis-dependent process, is critical for EV preparation.
• Specific protein complexes are essential for the intracellular sorting and extracellular release of these signals.

Conclusions:

• EVs play a significant role in mediating long-distance developmental signaling.
• Understanding EV biogenesis and protein complex involvement is key to deciphering intercellular communication.
• EVs are crucial for the secretion, reception, and transduction of developmental signals over distance.