Extracellular vesicle interplay in cardiovascular pathophysiology

Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2021 May 1;320(5):H1749-H1761. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00925.2020. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized lipid bilayer-delimited particles released from cells that mediate intercellular communications and play a pivotal role in various physiological and pathological processes. Subtypes of EVs may include plasma membrane ectosomes or microvesicles and endosomal origin exosomes, although functional distinctions remain unclear. EVs carry cargo proteins, nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), lipids, and metabolites. By presenting or transferring this cargo to recipient cells, EVs can trigger cellular responses. We summarize contemporary understanding of EV biogenesis, composition, and function, with an emphasis on the role of EVs in the cardiovascular system. In addition, we outline the functional relevance of EVs in cardiovascular pathophysiology, further highlighting their potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease; ectosome; exosomal cargo; exosome; extracellular vesicles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / surgery
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism*
  • Cardiovascular System / pathology
  • Cardiovascular System / physiopathology
  • Cell Communication
  • Extracellular Vesicles / genetics
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / pathology
  • Extracellular Vesicles / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cell Transplantation