Do different exosome biogenesis pathways and selective cargo enrichment contribute to exosomal heterogeneity?

Exosomes are emerging intercellular communicators essential for cellular homeostasis during development and differentiation. The dysregulation in exosome-mediated communication alters cellular networking leads to developmental defects and chronic diseases. Exosomes are heterogeneous in nature depending on differences in size, membrane protein abundance, and differential cargo load. In this review, we have highlighted the latest developments in exosome biogenesis pathways, heterogeneity, and selective enrichment of various exosomal cargoes including proteins, nucleic acids, and mitochondrial DNA. Furthermore, the recent developments in the isolation techniques of exosome subpopulations have also been discussed. The comprehensive knowledge of extracellular vesicle (EV) heterogeneity and selective cargo enrichment during specific pathology may provide a clue for disease severity and early prognosis possibilities. The release of specific exosome subtypes is associated with the progression of specific disease type and hence a probable tool for therapeutics and biomarker development.

Automated summary

Exosomes play an important role in intercellular communication and maintaining cellular homeostasis during development and differentiation. Dysregulation in exosome-mediated communication can lead to developmental defects and chronic diseases. Exosomes are heterogeneous and can vary in size, membrane protein abundance, and cargo content. This review focuses on the latest developments in exosome biogenesis pathways, heterogeneity, selective cargo enrichment, and isolation techniques. Understanding the heterogeneity and selective cargo enrichment of extracellular vesicles may provide insights into disease severity and early prognosis, and specific subtypes of exosomes can be used as therapeutic tools and biomarkers for specific diseases.