Moon Hyo Youl, van Praag Henriette
Department of Education, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Learning Sciences Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Adv Neurobiol. 2025;44:161-174. doi: 10.1007/978-981-95-0066-6_8.
Exercise has a remarkable capacity to improve brain function by fostering neuronal plasticity, which enables us to better cope with various psychological and cognitive challenges. Numerous studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of exercise. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of exercise are not yet fully understood. In particular, the role of exercise-induced secretion of peripheral factors into circulation that influence the brain is understudied. Recent research has shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes, are secreted during exercise. The discovery that EVs can mediate intracellular communication by delivering cargo signifies a promising area of research to understand the impact of exercise on the brain. In the present review, we provide an overview of recent advancements in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of EV biogenesis and discuss how EV molecular composition is influenced by exercise. Additionally, we highlight the potential role of EVs as exercise-specific mediators and as a promising therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
