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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2025

Purification and Analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans Extracellular Vesicles

Purification and Analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans Extracellular Vesicles

Published on: March 31, 2020

Cilia-derived vesicles: An ancient route for intercellular communication.

Raj Luxmi¹, Stephen M King¹

¹Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-3305, USA.

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology

|March 29, 2022

Summary

Cilia secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing peptides, mediating ancient peptidergic signaling. These ciliary EVs offer an alternative secretion pathway, especially in cells lacking traditional secretory granules.

Keywords:

Amidation Chlamydomonas Cilia Ectosome Peptidergic Signaling

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Published on: July 16, 2013

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Molecular Biology
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication, transporting signals between cells.
Cilia, evolutionarily conserved sensory organelles, are increasingly recognized for their roles beyond motility and sensing.
EVs secreted by cells vary in content and release pathways, reflecting cellular state and function.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the secretory functions of cilia and their biological implications.
To highlight the role of ciliary EVs in intercellular communication.
To investigate the potential of ciliary EVs in peptidergic signaling.

Main Methods:

Review of studies across multiple species, including *Caenorhabditis elegans*, *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, and mammals.
Analysis of the distinct molecular cargo within ciliary EVs compared to other cellular vesicles.
Examination of peptidergic signaling mediated by ciliary EVs.

Main Results:

Cilia shed bioactive EVs (ciliary EVs or ectosomes) through outward budding of the ciliary membrane.
The cargo of ciliary EVs is distinct from other secreted vesicles.
Cilia-derived vesicles mediate peptidergic signaling, as exemplified by *C. reinhardtii* releasing peptide α-amidating enzyme (PAM) and related components.

Conclusions:

Ciliary EVs represent a unique mode of intercellular communication.
Peptidergic signaling via ciliary EVs is an ancient mechanism, potentially utilized by early eukaryotes.
This pathway provides an alternative secretion route for cells lacking specialized secretory granules.