[37] Exosomes and Extracellular Vesicles

Question 1

What are exosomes?

Answer 1

Small, membrane-enclosed vesicles that are released by cells.

Question 2

What are extracellular vesicles?

Answer 2

Membrane-bound vesicles that are released from cells into the extracellular environment.

Question 3

What is the typical size range of exosomes?

Answer 3

30-100 nm

Question 4

What is the main biological function of exosomes?

Answer 4

Communication between cells

Question 5

How are exosomes released from cells?

Answer 5

By fusion of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane.

Question 6

MVBs - Initials

Answer 6

Multivesicular bodies

Question 7

What type of molecules can be carried by exosomes?

Answer 7

Proteins, lipids, and RNA

Question 8

What are some potential therapeutic uses of exosomes?

Answer 8

Drug delivery, vaccine development, and biomarker discovery

Question 9

How are exosomes isolated for research purposes?

Answer 9

Centrifugation, ultrafiltration, size exclusion chromatography, or immunoaffinity capture

Question 10

How are exosomes and extracellular vesicles involved in disease progression?

Answer 10

They can transfer pathogenic proteins and nucleic acids, contributing to diseases like cancer.

Question 11

What is the role of exosomes in cancer metastasis?

Answer 11

They can alter the tumor microenvironment and prepare distant sites for metastasis.

Question 12

What is the difference between exosomes and microvesicles?

Answer 12

Exosomes originate from the endosomal system, while microvesicles are shed directly from the plasma membrane.

Question 13

RNA - Initials

Answer 13

Ribonucleic acid

Question 14

How can exosomes be engineered for targeted drug delivery?

Answer 14

By incorporating specific ligands on their surface that can bind to receptors on target cells.

Question 15

Can exosomes cross the blood-brain barrier?

Answer 15

Yes, making them potential tools for delivering drugs to the brain.

Question 16

What is the role of exosomes in immune response?

Answer 16

They can modulate immune responses by transferring antigens and immunomodulatory molecules.

Question 17

Are exosomes present in body fluids?

Answer 17

Yes, they can be found in blood, urine, saliva, breast milk, and other body fluids.

Question 18

Can exosomes transfer genetic material between cells?

Answer 18

Yes, they can transfer RNA and DNA between cells.

Question 19

What effect do exosomes have on recipient cells?

Answer 19

They can alter the phenotype and function of recipient cells.

Question 20

Are the contents of exosomes reflective of their cell of origin?

Answer 20

Yes, they carry a cargo of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that reflect the physiological state of the cell of origin.