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Characterizing Extracellular Vesicles from Biological Fluids
Published on: February 28, 2025
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Message in a bubble: the translational potential of extracellular vesicles
H Alqurashi1,2, M Alsharief1, M L Perciato1
1School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
The Journal of Physiology
|October 5, 2023
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny cell-released packages carrying vital biomolecules. This review explores their functions in health and disease, and their potential for medicine.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical science
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived vesicles found in all body fluids.
- EVs contain functional cargo like DNA, RNA, and proteins.
- They influence cellular responses locally and systemically.
Approach:
- This review summarizes the major functions of EVs in physiological and pathological processes.
- It discusses the translational potential of EVs in medicine.
- Opportunities and challenges in utilizing EV biology for patient benefit are highlighted.
Key Points:
- EVs play roles in numerous health and disease processes.
- Their cargo can elicit significant cellular responses.
- EVs are being investigated as therapeutic targets and drug delivery systems.
Conclusions:
- Understanding EV biology offers significant potential for clinical applications.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in translating EV knowledge into patient benefits.
- EVs represent a promising frontier in diagnostics and therapeutics.
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