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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Evaluation of Extracellular Vesicle Function During Malaria Infection
Published on: February 14, 2018
An Endothelial-to-Adipocyte Extracellular Vesicle Axis Governed by Metabolic State
Clair Crewe1, Nolwenn Joffin1, Joseph M Rutkowski1
1Touchstone Diabetes Center, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Abstract:
We have uncovered the existence of extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated signaling between cell types within the adipose tissue (AT) proper. This phenomenon became evident in our attempts at generating an adipocyte-specific knockout of caveolin 1 (cav1) protein. Although we effectively ablated the CAV1 gene in adipocytes, cav1 protein remained abundant. With the use of newly generated mouse models, we show that neighboring endothelial cells (ECs) transfer cav1-containing EVs to adipocytes in vivo, which reciprocate by releasing EVs to ECs. AT-derived EVs contain proteins and lipids capable of modulating cellular signaling pathways. Furthermore, this mechanism facilitates transfer of plasma constituents from ECs to the adipocyte. The transfer event is physiologically regulated by fasting/refeeding and obesity, suggesting EVs participate in the tissue response to changes in the systemic nutrient state. This work offers new insights into the complex signaling mechanisms that exist among adipocytes, stromal vascular cells, and, potentially, distal organs.
Insights
Adipose tissue cells communicate via extracellular vesicles (EVs). Endothelial cells transfer caveolin 1 (cav1)-containing EVs to adipocytes, which then reciprocate, revealing a novel intercellular signaling pathway.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Metabolism
- Physiology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication.
- Caveolin 1 (cav1) plays a role in cellular processes.
- Adipose tissue (AT) harbors complex cell-cell interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate EV-mediated signaling between adipocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) in adipose tissue.
- To understand the role of cav1 in this intercellular communication.
- To explore the physiological regulation of this signaling.
Main Methods:
- Generation of novel mouse models for studying intercellular EV transfer.
- In vivo analysis of EV exchange between adipocytes and ECs.
- Assessment of cav1 protein levels and EV content.
Main Results:
- Adipocytes and ECs engage in bidirectional EV exchange in vivo.
- ECs transfer cav1-containing EVs to adipocytes; adipocytes reciprocate with EVs.
- EVs facilitate transfer of plasma constituents and modulate signaling pathways.
- This EV communication is regulated by nutritional status (fasting/refeeding) and obesity.
Conclusions:
- A novel mechanism of intercellular communication via EVs exists between adipocytes and ECs within adipose tissue.
- This pathway involves the transfer of cav1 and other biomolecules, influencing cellular signaling and nutrient exchange.
- EV-mediated signaling in adipose tissue is dynamically regulated by physiological states, impacting tissue function and systemic nutrient responses.
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