Current knowledge on exosome biogenesis and release

• Published in: Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS Vol. 75; no. 2; pp. 193 - 208
• Main Authors: Hessvik, Nina Pettersen, Llorente, Alicia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.01.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animals; Autophagy; Biochemistry; biogenesis; Biological Transport; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Biosynthesis; Cell Biology; cell communication; Cell interactions; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Endocytosis; Exocytosis; Exosomes; Exosomes - metabolism; Humans; Knowledge; Life Sciences; Lysosomes - metabolism; Membrane Fusion; Membrane vesicles; Molecular modelling; Multivesicular Bodies - metabolism; Phagocytosis; plasma membrane; Review; therapeutics; Vesicle fusion; Vesicles; Waste disposal; MVB biogenesis; Secretion; Extracellular vesicles; Lysosomes; Microvesicles; Exosomes; Autophagy; MVBs; Release; Endosomes
• ISSN: 1420-682X; 1420-9071; 1420-9071
• DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2595-9

Exosomes are nanosized membrane vesicles released by fusion of an organelle of the endocytic pathway, the multivesicular body, with the plasma membrane. This process was discovered more than 30 years ago, and during these years, exosomes have gone from being considered as cellular waste disposal to mediate a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell communication. The exponential interest in exosomes experienced during recent years is due to their important roles in health and disease and to their potential clinical application in therapy and diagnosis. However, important aspects of the biology of exosomes remain unknown. To explore the use of exosomes in the clinic, it is essential that the basic molecular mechanisms behind the transport and function of these vesicles are better understood. We have here summarized what is presently known about how exosomes are formed and released by cells. Moreover, other cellular processes related to exosome biogenesis and release, such as autophagy and lysosomal exocytosis are presented. Finally, methodological aspects related to exosome release studies are discussed.