Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2025

Enzymatic Isolation of Skeletal Muscle Interstitial Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: February 7, 2025
Muscle-derived extracellular vesicles mediate crosstalk between skeletal muscle and other organs
Jiajie Jia1,2, Lu Wang1,2, Yue Zhou2
1National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Skeletal muscle (SKM) has crucial roles in locomotor activity and posture within the body and also functions have been recognized as an actively secretory organ. Numerous bioactive molecules are secreted by SKM and transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs), a novel class of mediators of communication between cells and organs that contain various types of cargo molecules including lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. SKM-derived EVs (SKM-EVs) are intercellular communicators with significant roles in the crosstalk between SKM and other organs. In this review, we briefly describe the biological characteristics, composition, and uptake mechanisms of EVs, particularly exosomes, comprehensively summarize the regulatory effects of SKM-EVs on the function of, which include myogenesis, muscle repair and regeneration, as well as metabolic regulation. Furthermore, we explore the impact of SKM- EVs on various organs including bone, the cardiovascular system, adipose tissue, and nervous system. As emerging evidence suggests that SKM-EVs are involved in the development and regulation of type 2 diabetes (T2D), systemic inflammation, and other chronic diseases, we also highlight the potential of SKM-EVs as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying intercellular communication in physiological and pathological contexts.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Skeletal Muscle
Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
The muscle sarcolemma is a plasma membrane enclosing each muscle cell that conducts electrical signals called action potentials. The sarcolemma extends into the cell to form T-tubules, ensuring the neural impulses are uniformly distributed across the entire muscle...
Gross Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles
Skeletal Muscle Anatomy
Paracrine Signaling
Cross-bridge Cycle

