“ Extracellular vesicles (EV) as an emerging mechanism of cell-to-cell communication” by (Tetta, Ghigo, Silengo, Deregibus and Camussi (2015), explores the new concept of extracellular vesicles as a method through which cells communicate. Cells communicate with each other either in a microenvironment or externally using fluids as a medium. Evidence of cells communicating through EV is seen through the occurrence of EVs in body fluids like saliva, urine, and serum.
Although the processes through which EVs are formed in the cells are not fully understood, recent research has shown classification of EVs into exosomes and shedding vesicles is erroneous (Tetta, Ghigo, Silengo, Deregibus, & Camussi, 2013). However, there is a consensus among scientists and researchers that EVs can transport information from the cells that produce them to cells where the data is targeted. EVs transfer lipids as well as proteins. They can achieve these functions by through engraining of the protein on their surfaces. Once they reach the receptor cells, they can activate these cells through signals. Additionally, they can transport receptors from their cells of origin to recipient cells. Research has also shown that EVs transport genetic information. Due to their role in genetic data transfer, they have a significant influence on the immune system. While they may play an active role in suppressing tumors, EVs originating from cells in tumors may suppress the immune response.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Due to their presence in body fluids, EVs may be utilized as tools for making a diagnosis. Type II diabetes patients are reported to have an increased number of EVs (Tetta, Ghigo, Silengo, Deregibus, & Camussi, 2013). EVs may also be applied as a diagnostic tool in cancer patients. Apart from diagnosis, EVs ability to mimic their cells of origin gives them therapeutic characteristics. This article draws from the research of other studies to explain the functions of EVs and also make suggestions on how the emerging knowledge can be beneficial in medicine.
The information presented in this article is vital to the understanding of the way cells communicate with the body. Multiple functions of the body including organ and tissue functions are carried out through the cell to cell transfer of information. Emerging trends in biology are geared towards having a greater understanding of the human body to make improvements in the field of medicine. Knowledge of the role of EVs in body function is crucial in understanding the growth of tumors in the body and its prevention.
Tumors and immune system suppression have always interested me. Considering that information carried and transferred by exosomes is unique to the origin of the exosome, the role of regulating the immune system is partly contributed to by EVs. This is evident in the fact that the “miRNAs delivered by EVs could play a role in immune system regulation” (Tetta, Ghigo, Silengo, Deregibus, & Camussi, 2013). The authors systematically present the facts to the reader, beginning with the composition of the EVs to their functions and roles in the body. Then they make suggestions on how the facts presented can be helpful in understanding body functions and diseases.
However, the fact that EVs have a role in enhancing immune response if they originate from healthy cells or contribute to the inhibition of immune response if they emanate from tumor cells presents an aspect that needs further research. As suggested by the authors, the ability of EVs to mimic stem cells should prompt new research on how this knowledge can be applied in the treatment of tissue in regenerative medicine (Tetta, Ghigo, Silengo, Deregibus, & Camussi, 2013). Certainly, there are several aspects of cell communication that is yet to be understood by researchers and medical professionals.
References
Tetta, C., Ghigo, E., Silengo, L., Deregibus, M. C., & Camussi, G. (2013). Extracellular vesicles as an emerging mechanism of cell-to-cell communication. Endocrine, 44(1) , 11-19.
