Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Nanopodia - Thin, Fragile Membrane Projections with Roles in Cell Movement and Intercellular Interactions
Published on: April 3, 2014
Matrix Bound Nanovesicles Have Tissue-Specific Characteristics That Suggest a Regulatory Role
Neill J Turner1,2, Lina M Quijano1,2, George S Hussey1
1McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
Recent studies have identified an extracellular vesicle population that is tightly anchored within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues and organs until released by matrix turnover events. Evidence suggests that these matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBVs) are a ubiquitous component of the ECM, raising questions regarding their tissue-specific identity and their biologic function(s). The primary objective of this study was to examine MBVs isolated from six different tissues and compare their physical and compositional characteristics to determine the common and differentially expressed features. Accordingly, the results of this characterization show that while MBVs are a ubiquitous component of the ECM, they contain a protein and microRNA cargo that is tissue specific. The results furthermore suggest that MBVs have an important role in regulating tissue homeostasis.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...
Overview of Secretory Vesicles
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Intralumenal Vesicles and Multivesicular Bodies
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

