What are EVs?
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are bi-lipid membrane structures released by all types of cells into their immediate or remote environment. Their particularity lies in their nanometric size and their heterogeneity in quantity and quality.
Indeed, they are nanoparticles measuring from 30 to 1000 nm, and originating from endosomal vesicular trafficking, membrane budding, or other dynamic cellular processes. Variability also comes from the fact that these extracellular vesicles can be produced by all cells of living beings and circulate in tissues and biological fluids.
In addition, they transport various biological molecules, such as metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, depending on the production pathway and cellular source.
EVs play a significant role in intercellular communication as messengers and/or clearance products. As such, they are involved in many physiological and pathological processes, contributing to the complexity of cellular interactions and communications.
The main problems in the study of extracellular vesicles lie in their size and diversity, which involve isolation, characterization, and quantification methodologies, adapted to their very nature and the presence of other contaminating particles.
Extracellular vesicles:
Future of biomedical research
Extracellular vesicles are at the heart of biomedical research. But what are they?
EVs are small particles released by cells. They carry biological molecules such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Their main role: to enable communication between cells.
Research on EVs is developing rapidly. They could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. Recent discoveries show their potential to detect diseases early or to carry drugs directly to target cells.
Their study opens new perspectives, both in medicine and in biotechnologies. Understanding how they work means imagining new ways of treating and preventing.
Extracellular Vesicles: Messengers of the Nervous System
EVs play a key role in the functioning of the nervous system. They are like mini-couriers that carry vital messages between brain cells, helping to maintain its balance and health.
They enable neurons to communicate effectively, ensuring fast and accurate responses to stimuli. But their role doesn't stop there: EVs also protect neurons and participate in tissue repair after brain injury.
These little messengers even influence our cognitive functions and could play a preventive role against certain neurodegenerative diseases. By circulating in the body, they offer valuable clues to detect brain disorders at an early stage.
Researchers are actively exploring their potential to develop new treatments in neurology and mental health. The future of medicine could well be in these microscopic particles.
Extracellular vesicles: Omnipresence in the environment
Extracellular vesicles are not limited to human or animal organisms, they are also ubiquitous in our environment. They are found abundantly in oceans, soils, and many other natural ecosystems.
This presence is due to the countless microorganisms that populate these environments. EVs play an essential role in the communication between these microorganisms, thus influencing the balance and dynamics of ecosystems.
Scientists are actively studying how these EVs interact with their environment and participate in biological processes. For example, they could be involved in the transfer of nutrients, the regulation of microbial populations, or the degradation of organic matter.
This research opens up exciting new perspectives for environmental biology. By exploring the role of EVs in nature, researchers hope to better understand the mechanisms that govern ecosystems and, perhaps, discover new applications for protecting our planet.
Extracellular vesicles: Biomarkers for early diagnosis
EVs could play a key role in the early detection of certain diseases, well before the first symptoms appear.
EVs are tiny particles released by cells. They carry valuable information, such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. These molecules reflect the state of the original cell, making them powerful biomarkers. EVs could thus make it possible to diagnose complex diseases, such as cancers or neurodegenerative disorders, earlier. They would also make it possible to anticipate a relapse or a decrease in the effectiveness of a treatment.
Research on EVs is progressing rapidly. This technology could revolutionize predictive medicine. By identifying biological signals of diseases before clinical symptoms, healthcare professionals will be able to intervene earlier. This paves the way for more personalized and targeted care.