WPI Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan.
J Biochem. 2021 Mar 5;169(2):135-138. doi: 10.1093/jb/mvaa138.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, are small membrane vesicles secreted by almost all cell types and are abundant in blood, body fluids, such as urine, spinal fluid, tears and saliva, and cell culture media. From an evolutionary perspective, they are biologically significant as a means for expelling unwanted cellular contents. Recently, EVs have received considerable attention as messengers of intercellular communication networks, allowing the exchange of proteins and lipids between the cells producing them and target cells that trigger various cellular responses. EVs also carry mRNAs and microRNAs inside them, transferring genetic information among cells. In addition, the expression pattern of these molecules is related to the cellular state and the progression of diseases, and the search for biomarkers within the EV is underway in many research fields. However, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of EVs remain largely elusive. Therefore, in this special issue, we have compiled reviews of the latest research findings on EV research.
细胞外囊泡 (EVs)，如外泌体和微泡，是几乎所有细胞类型分泌的小膜囊泡，在血液、尿液、脑脊液、眼泪和唾液等体液以及细胞培养液中大量存在。从进化的角度来看，它们作为一种排出不需要的细胞内容物的手段具有重要的生物学意义。最近，EV 作为细胞间通讯网络的信使引起了广泛关注，允许产生它们的细胞和靶细胞之间交换蛋白质和脂质，从而触发各种细胞反应。EV 内部还携带 mRNA 和 microRNAs，在细胞之间传递遗传信息。此外，这些分子的表达模式与细胞状态和疾病的进展有关，并且在许多研究领域都在寻找 EV 内的生物标志物。然而，EV 的生理和病理生理作用在很大程度上仍未被揭示。因此，在本期特刊中，我们汇集了关于 EV 研究的最新研究成果的综述。
