Biological Significance of Exosomes and Microparticles

Kálmán, Botond Géza and Frants, V. (2023) Biological Significance of Exosomes and Microparticles. WATER BIORESOURCES AND AQUACULTURE, 14 (2). pp. 171-196. ISSN 2663-5283

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Abstract

The development of cell and molecular biology is accelerating along with the development of technology. Microvesicles are one of the focal points of ongoing research in this area. Extracellular vesicles (exosomes, microvesicles) are recently discovered participants in intercellular communication, whose role has been proven in many physiological and pathological conditions. These 100–1000 nm membrane-surrounded particles originating from a wide variety of cells play a role in communication between cells, in the shrinkage of certain tumors, in the formation of metastases, in the formation of blood vessels, and also play a primary role in the regeneration of tissues. Exosomes were discovered nearly fifty years ago. Today, thanks to their versatile use, they have become important elements of everyday science. Their main function is to contribute to genetic variability. This happens primarily in the way that they are able to transfer genetic material between different species and even between plants and animals. Experiments on the practical use of exosomes in tumor therapy, the treatment of autoimmune diseases, or the cure of infectious diseases are still ongoing. A large amount of microvesicles circulate in body fluids, which play an important role in intercellular communication and in the detoxification and regeneration processes of cells. Scientists are actively researching the role that exosomes may play in signaling between cells; it is assumed that exosomes, being able to unite with distant cells and empty their contents into them, are thus able to influence the processes taking place in distant cells. Clarifying the exact role of exosomes may open many new possibilities in the future, from their use as biomarkers to their use as therapeutic targets. This study summarizes the most basic knowledge on the biological significance of exosomes and microparticles.

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