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The Vanderbilt Center for
Extracellular Vesicle Research

Extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles: emerging complexities

AUTHORS

Jeppesen DK , Zhang Q , Franklin JL , Coffey RJ , . Trends in cell biology. 2023 02 01; 33(8). 667-681

ABSTRACT

The study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and nanoparticles (NPs) is rapidly expanding because recent discoveries have revealed a much greater complexity and diversity than was appreciated only a few years ago. New types of EVs and NPs have recently been described. Proteins and nucleic acids previously thought to be packaged in exosomes appear to be more enriched in different types of EVs and in two recently identified amembranous NPs, exomeres and supermeres. Thus, our understanding of the cell biology and intercellular communication facilitated by the release of EVs and NPs is in a state of flux. In this review, we describe the different types of EVs and NPs, highlight recent advances, and present major outstanding questions.