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. 2011:3:15.
doi: 10.3410/B3-15. Epub 2011 Jul 1.

Exosomes: secreted vesicles and intercellular communications

Clotilde Théry  1
Affiliations

Exosomes: secreted vesicles and intercellular communications

Clotilde Théry. F1000 Biol Rep. 2011.

Abstract

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin secreted by most cell types, and are thought to play important roles in intercellular communications. Although exosomes were originally described in 1983, interest in these vesicles has really increased dramatically in the last 3 years, after the finding that they contain mRNA and microRNA. This discovery sparked renewed interest for the general field of membrane vesicles involved in intercellular communications, and research on these structures has grown exponentially over the last few years, probing their composition and function, as well as their potential value as biomarkers.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Exosome basics
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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    2. F1000 Factor 8

      Evaluated by Clotilde Théry 20 Jun 2011

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    2. F1000 Factor 8

      Evaluated by Clotilde Théry 20 Jun 2011