Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-bound particles naturally secreted by cells into the surrounding environment. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication by transporting proteins, lipids, RNA, and other bioactive molecules between cells. EVs can be classified into three main types based on their size and biogenesis: exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies.

1. Exosomes: These are the smallest EVs, typically ranging from 30 to 150 nm in diameter. They are formed through the inward budding of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and are released when the MVB fuses with the cell membrane.

2. Microvesicles: Slightly larger than exosomes (100 to 1000 nm), microvesicles are directly shed from the plasma membrane through a process called "blebbing."

3. Apoptotic Bodies: These vesicles are released from cells undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis), typically larger in size (>1000 nm).

Functions of EVs
EVs are involved in a wide range of biological processes, such as:

• Cell signaling: By transferring molecular signals between cells, EVs mediate key processes like immune responses, tissue repair, and cancer progression.

• Disease biomarkers: EVs are emerging as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.

• Therapeutic potential: Their ability to deliver cargo selectively to target cells positions EVs as promising tools for drug delivery and gene therapy.

As research in the EV field advances, understanding their role in health and disease continues to offer exciting possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.