Abstract
Communication between cells is a basic requirement for proper nervous system function. Glial cells execute various functions, operating in close coordination with neurons. Recent research revealed that cell communication is mediated by the exchange of extracellular vesicles, which are also secreted by glial cells and neurons. Extracellular vesicles comprise exosomes and microvesicles, which deliver proteins and ribonucleic acids to target cells. As a result of transfer, the vesicle cargo components can modulate the phenotype of recipient cells. Here, we discuss the characteristics and functions of extracellular vesicles in general and in particular in the central nervous system, where myelinating oligodendrocytes release exosomes in response to neurotransmitter signals, which are internalized by neurons and exhibit neuroprotective functions.
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Acknowledgment
The authors thank Prof. Jacqueline Trotter for support and all members of the Department of Molecular Cell Biology for constructive discussion. Wen Ping Kuo accomplished English translation of this article. Our work is funded by the DFG and supported by internal research funds provided by the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
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Conflict of interest. E.-M. Krämer-Albers and C. Frühbeis state that there are no conflicts of interest.
All national guidelines on the care and use of laboratory animals have been followed and the necessary approval was obtained from the relevant authorities.
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Krämer-Albers, EM., Frühbeis, C. Delivery on call: exosomes as “care packages” from glial cells for stressed neurons. e-Neuroforum 4, 85–91 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13295-013-0049-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13295-013-0049-x