Extracellular Vesicles as Regulators of the Extracellular Matrix

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound vesicles secreted into the extracellular space by all cell types. EVs transfer their cargo which includes nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids to facilitate cell-to-cell communication. As EVs are released and move from parent to recipient cell, EVs interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) which acts as a physical scaffold for the organization and function of cells. Recent work has shown that EVs can modulate and act as regulators of the ECM. This review will first discuss EV biogenesis and the mechanism by which EVs are transported through the ECM. Additionally, we discuss how EVs contribute as structural components of the matrix and as components that aid in the degradation of the ECM. Lastly, the role of EVs in influencing recipient cells to remodel the ECM in both pathological and therapeutic contexts is examined.

Automated summary

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound vesicles that are secreted by all cell types into the extracellular space. They transfer nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids to facilitate cell-to-cell communication. EVs interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and play a role in both its organization and degradation. Furthermore, they influence recipient cells to remodel the ECM in pathological and therapeutic contexts.