Association of Extracellular Membrane Vesicles with Cutaneous Wound Healing

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed vesicles that are released into the extracellular environment by various cell types, which can be classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes. EVs have been shown to carry DNA, small RNAs, proteins and membrane lipids which are derived from the parental cells. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that EVs can regulate many biological processes, such as cancer progression, the immune response, cell proliferation, cell migration and blood vessel tube formation. This regulation is achieved through the release and transport of EVs and the transfer of their parental cell-derived molecular cargo to recipient cells. This thereby influences various physiological and sometimes pathological functions within the target cells. While intensive investigation of EVs has focused on pathological processes, the involvement of EVs in normal wound healing is less clear; however, recent preliminarily investigations have produced some initial insights. This review will provide an overview of EVs and discuss the current literature regarding the role of EVs in wound healing, especially, their influence on coagulation, cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, collagen production and extracellular matrix remodelling.

Cellular mechanisms and signals that coordinate plasma membrane repair

“…This is avoided by the formation of extracellular vesicles, which can transfer a bolus of proteins, lipids, or other small signaling molecules discussed above to nearby cells or neighboring tissues [158]. This type of signaling is widely implicated in tissue repair [159]. …”

Characteristics and roles of extracellular vesicles released by epidermal keratinocytes

“…It is widely recognized that EVs are secreted by most cell types into culture medium and body fluids . Moreover, some evidence suggests that EV composition and secretion may be subjected to the specifics of various pathological/stimulatory conditions .…”

“…After release, EVs have the capacity to transfer cargoes that are packaged during vesicle formation, to recipient target cells, adding to their biochemical complement and potentially altering specific functions of the recipient cell. Cargo delivery can be accomplished through one of three mechanisms: (i) specific ligand/receptor interaction between integral proteins of EV and target cell membranes; (ii) direct membrane fusion of EVs with plasma membrane of target cells; or (iii) endocytosis of EVs into the cytoplasm of target cells . In this manner, intercellular communication enables EVs to integrate and coordinate biological processes within tissue, such as immune response, cell growth, differentiation, organ formation or tissue repair …”

“…Cargo delivery can be accomplished through one of three mechanisms: (i) specific ligand/receptor interaction between integral proteins of EV and target cell membranes; (ii) direct membrane fusion of EVs with plasma membrane of target cells; or (iii) endocytosis of EVs into the cytoplasm of target cells. 6 In this manner, intercellular communication enables EVs to integrate and coordinate biological processes within tissue, such as immune response, cell growth, differentiation, organ formation or tissue repair. 6 In this article, we will discuss the biological role and sequelae of EVs released by epidermal keratinocytes.…”

“…6 In this manner, intercellular communication enables EVs to integrate and coordinate biological processes within tissue, such as immune response, cell growth, differentiation, organ formation or tissue repair. 6 In this article, we will discuss the biological role and sequelae of EVs released by epidermal keratinocytes. It includes factors that stimulate the secretion EVs by keratinocytes, EV composition and cargoes.…”