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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy of Extracellular Vesicles in Three Dimensions
Published on: August 26, 2021
From Mitochondria to Immunity: The Emerging Roles of Mitochondria-Derived Vesicles and Small Extracellular Vesicles
Rostyslav Horbay1,2,3,4, Vasyl Syrvatka5, Artem Bedzay6
1Apoptosis Research Centre, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
According to the endosymbiotic theory of mitochondrial origin, an α-proteobacterium entered a prokaryotic cell and, through symbiosis, evolved into the mitochondria-the powerhouse of the cell. Like other bacteria, the α-proteobacteria generate their own extracellular vesicles (EVs), a trait that was passed onto the mitochondria, enabling them to generate mitochondria-derived vesicles (MDVs). MDVs, similar to small EVs (sEVs), are vesicles ranging from 30 to 200 nm in diameter and carry cargo for degradation by lysosomes and peroxisomes. MDVs share several features with sEVs, including targeted cargo degradation, biogenesis, packaging into multivesicular bodies, nucleic acid and protein transportation, induction of immune responses, and surface antigen presentation. MDVs may also be released from the cell in a manner similar to sEVs, potentially influencing intercellular communication and immune responses. Furthermore, the presence of MDVs presents opportunities for early disease detection, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. In this review, we explore the differences and similarities between MDVs and EVs, including their roles in immunity.
Insights
Mitochondria generate vesicles (MDVs), similar to bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs). These MDVs play roles in cellular processes, intercellular communication, and offer potential for early disease detection.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Endosymbiotic Theory
- Vesicle Biology
Background:
- Mitochondria originated from α-proteobacteria, which produce extracellular vesicles (EVs).
- This bacterial trait led to the evolution of mitochondria-derived vesicles (MDVs) in eukaryotic cells.
- MDVs are nanoscale vesicles involved in cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare mitochondria-derived vesicles (MDVs) with extracellular vesicles (EVs).
- To explore the biogenesis, functions, and implications of MDVs.
- To highlight the potential of MDVs in disease diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of MDVs and EVs based on existing literature.
- Review of studies on vesicle biogenesis, cargo, and intercellular communication.
- Examination of MDV roles in immunity and disease.
Main Results:
- MDVs share similarities with small EVs (sEVs) in size (30-200 nm), cargo degradation, biogenesis, and immune functions.
- MDVs are involved in nucleic acid and protein transport, immune response induction, and antigen presentation.
- MDVs may be released similarly to sEVs, influencing intercellular communication.
Conclusions:
- MDVs are functionally analogous to bacterial EVs and cellular sEVs.
- MDVs have significant roles in cellular processes, immunity, and intercellular signaling.
- MDVs represent promising biomarkers for early detection of diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
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