2 research outputs found
Extracellular Vesicles and Intercellular Communication in the Central Nervous System
Neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) release extracellular vesicles (EVs) to the interstitial fluid of the brain and spinal cord parenchyma. EVs contain proteins, nucleic acids and lipids that can be taken up by, and modulate the behaviour of, neighbouring recipient cells. The functions of EVs have been extensively studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. However, mechanisms involved in EVâmediated neuronâglial communication under physiological conditions or healthy ageing remain unclear. A better understanding of the myriad roles of EVs in CNS homeostasis is essential for the development of novel therapeutics to alleviate and reverse neurological disturbances of ageing. Proteomic studies are beginning to reveal cell typeâspecific EV cargo signatures that may one day allow us to target specific neuronal or glial cell populations in the treatment of debilitating neurological disorders. This review aims to synthesise the current literature regarding EVâmediated cellâcell communication in the brain, predominantly under physiological conditions