Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
07:55
Harnessing the Power of MicroRNA Cargoes in Small Extracellular Vesicles Released from Fresh-Frozen Human Brain Sections
Published on: November 8, 2024
774
Extracellular Vesicles and Neurodegenerative Diseases
1Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia andrew.hill@latrobe.edu.au.
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in intercellular communication and the spread of pathogenic proteins in neurological diseases. Further research is needed to establish their role in disease pathogenesis and explore them as therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are involved in intercellular communication within the central nervous system (CNS).
- EVs transport proteins, lipids, and genetic material, and have been found to contain misfolded proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Altered miRNA cargo in EVs from patients suggests their potential as disease biomarkers for neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the role of EVs in neurological diseases.
- To highlight the limitations in current research methodologies and understanding.
- To discuss the potential of EVs as therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on extracellular vesicles and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Analysis of studies using cell culture and transgenic animal models.
- Discussion of the implications of current findings for future research and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- EVs play diverse roles in the CNS, including biomolecule removal and intercellular communication.
- Misfolded proteins and altered genetic cargo (miRNAs) associated with neurodegenerative diseases are found within EVs.
- Current research relies heavily on in vitro and animal models, limiting definitive conclusions about EVs' role in human disease pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- EVs are implicated in the spread of pathogenic proteins and may serve as biomarkers for neurological diseases.
- The precise role of EVs in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases requires further investigation.
- Identifying EVs as key contributors to neurological conditions could lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane
16.4K
Proteins and neurotransmitters in secretory vesicles can be released from a cell upon vesicle docking, priming, and fusion with the plasma membrane. Vesicles are docked and primed in preparation for the quick exocytosis of their contents in response to a stimulus. The fusion process is mainly carried out by a SNAP Receptor or SNARE complex, consisting of synaptobrevin, syntaxin-1, and SNAP-25.
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
16.4K
01:36Overview of Exosomes
3.4K
Exosomes are stable, lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles capable of crossing biological barriers. They can carry a wide range of molecules required for intercellular communication. Once exosomes are released from the cell where they originated, they enter a recipient cell through various pathways such as fusion, receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
3.4K
01:33Overview of Secretory Vesicles
9.3K
Secretory vesicles, also known as dense core vesicles (DCVs), are membrane-bound vesicles that transport secretory proteins, such as hormones or neurotransmitters. Regulated secretory vesicles transport proteins from the trans-Golgi network to the exterior of the cell. Proteins present in regulated secretory vesicles are required to be rapidly exocytosed in large amounts upon a specific stimulus.
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
9.3K
01:22Lysosomal Hydrolases
4.4K
Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
4.4K
03:03Amyloid Fibrils
11.5K
Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins. Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils.
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
11.5K
01:38Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
4.6K
Intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) are small vesicles 50-80 nm in diameter formed during the maturation of early endosomes. A specialized endosome containing numerous ILVs is called a multivesicular body (MVB). ILVs contain internalized molecules such as antigens, nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites. Some of these molecules are released from the MVBs inside exosomes and are transported to other cells. Other MVBs contain molecules that are retained in the ILVs and are later degraded within the...
4.6K