Exosomes in the Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Cell Regeneration

Exosomes have been described as nanoscale membranous extracellular vesicles that emerge from a variety of cells and tissues and are enriched with biologically active genomic and non-genomic biomolecules capable of transducing cell to cell communication. Exosome release, and exosome mediated signaling and cross-talks have been reported in several pathophysiological states. Therefore, exosomes have the potential to become suitable for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of specific diseases, including endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction and regeneration. The role of EC-derived exosomes in the mechanisms of cardiovascular tissue regenerative processes represents currently an area of intense research activity. Recent studies have described the potential of exosomes to influence the pathophysiology of immune signaling, tumor metastasis, and angiogenesis. In this review, we briefly discuss progress made in our understanding of the composition and the roles of exosomes in relation to EC regeneration as well as revascularization of ischemic tissues.