Signalling from cell-to-cell is fundamental for determining differentiation and patterning. This communication can occur between adjacent and distant cells. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-based structures thought to facilitate the long-distance movement of signalling molecules. EVs have recently been found to allow the transport of two major developmental signalling pathways: Hedgehog and Wnt. These signalling molecules undergo crucial post-translational lipid modifications, which anchor them to membranes and impede their free release into the extracellular space. Preparation of these ligands in EVs involves intracellular vesicle sorting in an endocytosis-dependent recycling process before secretion. In the present review, we discuss the most recent advances with regard to EV involvement in developmental signalling at a distance. We focus on the role of the protein complexes involved in EV genesis, and provide a comprehensive perspective of the contribution of these complexes to intracellular vesicle sorting of developmental signals for their extracellular secretion, reception and transduction.
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Cover Image
Cover Image
Recent advances in extracellular vesicle (EV) research have given rise to a new paradigm in cellular communication. EVs are small membrane vesicles released by cells that can be visualized by cryo-electron microscopy in a close to native state. The cover image shows vesicles released from skin cells called melanocytes and reveals their elegant but simple structure (for details see van Niel et al. (2015) Cell Rep. 13, 43-51). In this issue of Essays in Biochemistry, the role of EVs (exosomes and microvesicles) in extracellular communication has been approached from multiple perspectives: intracellular sorting and vesicle biogenesis, complex physiological systems including cardiovascular biology, metabolism and development, as well as pathophysiologic deviations including cancer and infection. Model organisms, key research tools in cell developmental biology research, have been highlighted as well. EVs, because of their role in cell-to-cell communication and their broad distribution across phyla and even kingdoms, represent a new frontier in biological and medical science. Image credit: Guillaume van Niel and Daniel Levy (Institut Curie).
From intra- to extracellular vesicles: extracellular vesicles in developmental signalling
Philip Stahl, Graça Raposo, Ana-Citlali Gradilla, Eléanor Simon, Gustavo Aguilar, Isabel Guerrero; From intra- to extracellular vesicles: extracellular vesicles in developmental signalling. Essays Biochem 15 May 2018; 62 (2): 215–223. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/EBC20180001
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