Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Evaluation of the Storage Stability of Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: May 22, 2019
Potential role of extracellular vesicles in the pathophysiology of glomerular diseases
Xia-Qing Li1, Lilach O Lerman2, Yu Meng1
1Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released by most cells and are found in diverse biological fluids. The release of EVs provides a new mechanism for intercellular communication, allowing cells to transfer their functional cargoes to target cells. Glomerular diseases account for a large proportion of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. In recent years, an increasing number of research groups have focused their effort on identifying the functional role of EVs in renal diseases. However, the involvement of EVs in the pathophysiology of glomerular diseases has not been comprehensively described and discussed. In this review, we first briefly introduce the characteristics of EVs. Then, we describe the involvement of EVs in the mechanisms underlying glomerular diseases, including immunological and fibrotic processes. We also discuss what functions EVs derived from different kidney cells have in glomerular diseases and how EVs exert their effects through different signaling pathways. Furthermore, we summarize recent advances in the knowledge of EV involvement in the pathogenesis of various glomerular diseases. Finally, we propose future research directions for identifying better management strategies for glomerular diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Overview of Exosomes
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrons
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Glomerular Filtration
Renal Drug Excretion: Glomerular Filtration
Drugs gain access to the kidney via the renal artery, which progressively branches off into afferent arterioles....

