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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
09:03
Extraction of Extracellular Vesicles from Whole Tissue
Published on: February 7, 2019
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Structural and Functional Characterization of EXPO-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Plants
Jiayang Gao1, Yanbin Li2, Shengqi Zhang2
1School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|January 13, 2026
Summary
Plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) exhibit structural diversity and play roles in intercellular communication. This study categorizes EVs and reveals EXPO-derived EVs are crucial for plant defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication in plants.
- EV biogenesis, heterogeneity, and membrane origins are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural diversity, formation, and function of plant EVs.
- To classify plant EVs based on size, content, and molecular markers.
- To explore the role of EXPO-derived EVs in plant defense.
Main Methods:
- 3D electron tomography (ET)
- Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET)
- Immunogold transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- Transcriptomic profiling
- Pathogen-resistance assays
Main Results:
- Plant EVs classified into three categories: small (TET8+), medium (Exo70E2+), and large/tubules (PEN1+).
- Medium EVs originate from exocyst-positive organelles (EXPOs), which contain stress-response cargoes.
- EXPO-derived EVs contribute to plant defense by delivering defense proteins during pathogen infection.
Conclusions:
- A framework for understanding plant EV heterogeneity is established.
- EXPO-derived EVs are identified as key components of plant defense.
- Further research into EV-mediated plant defense is warranted.
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