Extracellular vesicles (EVs) comprise a heterogeneous group of cell-derived membrane structures, collectively called exosomes, ectosomes, prostasomes, microparticles, oncosomes or microvesicles. They originate from the endosomal system and are secreted after fusion of endosomes with the plasma membrane (features of exosomes) or are shed from the plasma membrane (Ectosomes and others). EVs are present in biological fluids and are involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. EVs constitute a mechanism for intercellular communication, allowing cells to exchange proteins, lipids and genetic material influencing on cellular functions. Knowledge of the cellular processes that govern extracellular vesicle biology is essential to shed light on the physiological and pathological functions of these vesicles as well as on clinical applications involving their use and/or analysis. Over the past years knowledge have been acquired regarding their origin, biogenesis and secretion. However there are still many unknowns and challenges to overpass in view of the heterogeneity of subpopulations of EVs which reaquires optimization of isolation procedures, their characterization but also understanding mehcnaisms underlying their fate and processing to reprogram their recipient cells. Our team initially involved mostly in studies in immune cells have more recently exploited pigment cells and skin to get further insights into EV biology and functions. We show that EVs and their particular cargo are key players in intercellular communication in the skin, regulating skin homeostasis, pigmentation, cell differentiation and proliferation in heath and disease.
Raposo and Stahl, EVCNA, 2023
van Niel et al., Nat Rev Mol Cell, 2022