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Review
. 2016;4(4):181-187.
doi: 10.1007/s40139-016-0115-5. Epub 2016 Aug 27.

Microvesicles as Vehicles for Tissue Regeneration: Changing of the Guards

Nikolaos Panagiotou  1 , R Wayne Davies  2 , Colin Selman  3 , Paul G Shiels  1
Affiliations
Review

Microvesicles as Vehicles for Tissue Regeneration: Changing of the Guards

Nikolaos Panagiotou et al. Curr Pathobiol Rep. 2016.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Microvesicles (MVs) have been recognised as mediators of stem cell function, enabling and guiding their regenerative effects.

Recent findings: MVs constitute one unique size class of extracellular vesicles (EVs) directly shed from the cell plasma membrane. They facilitate cell-to-cell communication via intercellular transfer of proteins, mRNA and microRNA (miRNA). MVs derived from stem cells, or stem cell regulatory cell types, have proven roles in tissue regeneration and repair processes. Their role in the maintenance of healthy tissue function throughout the life course and thus in age related health span remains to be elucidated.

Summary: Understanding the biogenesis and mechanisms of action of MVs may enable the development of cell-free therapeutics capable of assisting in tissue maintenance and repair for a variety of age-related degenerative diseases. This review critically evaluates recent work published in this area and highlights important new findings demonstrating the use of MVs in tissue regeneration.

Keywords: Ageing; Microvesicles; Regenerative medicine; Stem cells; Tissue regeneration; extracellular vesicles.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with Ethical Guidelines Conflict of Interest Nikolaos Panagiotou and Colin Selman declare that they have no conflict of interest. Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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