Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
07:34
Enrichment of Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Human Plasma
Published on: August 3, 2022
3.5K
Exosomes From Astrocyte Processes: Signaling to Neurons
Arianna Venturini1, Mario Passalacqua2, Simone Pelassa1
1Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|December 19, 2019
Summary
Astrocyte processes release exosomes, acting as messengers in the central nervous system. These astrocyte-derived exosomes can target neurons and carry neuroglobin, potentially enhancing neuroprotection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Extracellular Vesicles
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known mediators of intercellular communication.
- Astrocyte processes are critical for synaptic function and neuron-astrocyte networks.
- The role of astrocyte processes in EV release for CNS signaling was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if astrocyte processes can release extracellular vesicles for intercellular communication.
- To determine the characteristics and targeting capabilities of exosomes derived from astrocyte processes.
- To explore the potential neuroprotective role of astrocyte-derived exosomes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of astrocyte processes from adult rat cerebral cortex.
- Analysis of exosome release from astrocyte processes.
- Characterization of astrocyte-derived exosomes, including marker analysis and protein content (neuroglobin).
- Assessment of exosome targeting specificity.
Main Results:
- Astrocyte processes release exosomes capable of participating in central nervous system signal transmission.
- These exosomes can mediate volume transmission to near or long-distance sites.
- Astrocyte-derived exosomes selectively target neurons and contain neuroglobin.
- Exosomes retained markers of their astrocytic origin.
Conclusions:
- Astrocyte processes actively contribute to intercellular communication in the CNS via exosome release.
- Astrocyte-derived exosomes may facilitate neuroprotection by transferring neuroglobin to neurons.
- The identified markers allow for the assessment of exosome origin from body fluids.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Synaptic Signaling
78.9K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
78.9K
01:09Synaptic Signaling
6.4K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
6.4K
00:51Exocytosis
72.9K
Exocytosis is used to release material from cells. Like other bulk transport mechanisms, exocytosis requires energy.
72.9K
00:50Exocytosis
8.9K
Exocytosis is a process that releases molecules outside the cell. Like other bulk transport mechanisms, exocytosis requires energy.
Exocytosis is the opposite of endocytosis, which brings molecules inside the cell. Sometimes, the released materials are signaling molecules. For example, neurons typically use exocytosis to release neurotransmitters. Cells also use exocytosis to insert proteins such as ion channels into their cell membranes, secrete proteins for use in the extracellular matrix, or...
Exocytosis is the opposite of endocytosis, which brings molecules inside the cell. Sometimes, the released materials are signaling molecules. For example, neurons typically use exocytosis to release neurotransmitters. Cells also use exocytosis to insert proteins such as ion channels into their cell membranes, secrete proteins for use in the extracellular matrix, or...
8.9K
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
01:23Overview of Cell Signaling
23.7K
Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate with the environment.
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. For example, skin cells respond to and transmit touch...
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. For example, skin cells respond to and transmit touch...
23.7K