Exophers to feed them all

Cells release extracellular vesicles to remove damaged components and communicate with other cells via packets of proteins, lipids, and RNAs. Neuronal cells in the nematode C. elegans release particularly large extracellular vesicles, known as exophers, to rid themselves of damaged organelles and protein aggregates. Turek et al now demonstrate a new role for these vesicles: Embryos in the uterus stimulate body wall muscle cells to release exophers laden with yolk, which are taken up by oocytes to nourish the next set of embryos (Turek et al, 2021).

Automated summary

Cells release extracellular vesicles containing proteins, lipids, and RNAs to communicate with other cells and remove damaged components. In C. elegans, neuronal cells release large extracellular vesicles called exophers to clear damaged organelles and protein aggregates. Researchers have now shown that embryos in the uterus can stimulate body wall muscle cells to release exophers loaded with yolk, which are then absorbed by oocytes to nourish the next generation of embryos.