mikrovessikkelien

Mikrovessikkelit, sometimes referred to as microvesicles, are small membrane-bound sacs released from the surface of cells. They are distinct from exosomes, which are secreted from multivesicular bodies within the cell. Microvesicles are typically larger than exosomes, ranging in size from 50 to 1000 nanometers in diameter, and their formation involves the outward budding and fission of the plasma membrane.

These vesicles carry a diverse cargo of molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids such as mRNA and miRNA. This cargo reflects the state and function of the parent cell, making microvesicles important mediators of intercellular communication. They can transfer these molecules to recipient cells, thereby influencing their behavior and physiology.

Microvesicles are involved in a wide range of biological processes. They play roles in immune responses, blood coagulation, tissue repair, and the development of diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Their ability to transport bioactive molecules and their presence in various bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, and saliva, make them promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Research into microvesicles is an active area, aiming to further understand their formation, cargo sorting, release mechanisms, and their multifaceted roles in health and disease.