Neuronal exosome regulation refers to the controlled process governing the biogenesis, cargo loading, and release of nanosized extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes, specifically secreted by neurons. These exosomes carry a diverse molecular payload, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and function as critical vehicles for intercellular communication, particularly between neurons and glial cells. Dysregulation of this process and the exosomal lipid cargo is implicated in the spread of pathological proteins and neurodegenerative disease progression.
Origin
This term integrates the fields of cell biology and neuroscience, focusing on the ‘neuronal’ origin and the ‘regulation’ of ‘exosomes,’ a class of extracellular vesicles. This intercellular communication system is now recognized as a vital component of neuroendocrine signaling. The lipids within the exosome membrane and cargo are particularly relevant to hormonal health, as they can carry and transfer signaling molecules that modulate the function of recipient cells.
Mechanism
Exosome biogenesis begins in the endosomal compartment, where intraluminal vesicles are formed and loaded with specific cargo, including cholesterol and sphingolipids that are enriched in their membrane. The multivesicular body then fuses with the plasma membrane, releasing the exosomes into the extracellular space. These vesicles travel to recipient cells, where their cargo can be internalized or their membrane can fuse with the target cell, transferring functional lipids and proteins. This mechanism allows for the non-synaptic transfer of regulatory signals, influencing synaptic plasticity and inflammatory responses.
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