The microenvironment-a general hypothesis on the homeostatic function of extracellular vesicles

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biomedical research
• Physiology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are crucial for intercellular communication.
• Their roles in physiological homeostasis and disease pathobiology across different kingdoms require a unifying hypothesis.
• EVs often function locally within microenvironments composed of interacting cellular microunits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a working model for understanding the multifaceted functions of EVs.
• To integrate EV exchange, signaling, seeding, and disposal within a cellular microunit framework.
• To contextualize EV functions within the broader landscape of multicellular organism biology and physiology.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual modeling based on existing literature.
• Integration of cell biology and physiology principles.
• Framework development for EV interactions at microenvironmental and tissue levels.

Main Results:

• A model is presented where cellular microunits interact via EVs.
• These microunits form a tissue-level matrix facilitating communication.
• This matrix communicates with surrounding environments and other organ systems.

Conclusions:

• EVs play a vital role in local and systemic communication within multicellular organisms.
• The proposed model provides a framework for investigating EV functions in health and disease.
• Further research can utilize this model to explore therapeutic and diagnostic potential of EVs.