Extracellular microvesicles/exosomes: discovery, disbelief, acceptance, and the future?

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Extracellular microvesicles (ExMVs), including microparticles and exosomes, were historically difficult to distinguish from cell debris.
• These vesicles may represent an ancient form of cell-cell communication predating ligand-receptor interactions.
• Early research faced skepticism, delaying the acceptance of ExMVs' biological significance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of extracellular microvesicles (ExMVs).
• To discuss the historical context and eventual acceptance of ExMV research.
• To explore the future prospects of ExMV research, focusing on therapeutic and diagnostic applications in hematopoiesis.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on extracellular microvesicles.
• Historical analysis of key research findings and their reception.
• Discussion of experimental data demonstrating ExMV functionality.

Main Results:

• ExMVs mediate horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules like mRNA and proteins.
• ExMVs derived from embryonic stem cells can modify and expand hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells ex vivo.
• Initial disbelief in ExMV function was overcome by persistent research and eventual publication.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular microvesicles (ExMVs) are crucial for intercellular communication and have significant therapeutic potential.
• The historical trajectory of ExMV research underscores the importance of perseverance in scientific discovery.
• Future applications of ExMVs are promising, particularly in the field of hematopoiesis and regenerative medicine.