Exosome-mediated paracrine signaling

Exosome-mediated paracrine signaling refers to the process by which cells secrete small extracellular vesicles called exosomes that carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to influence the behavior of neighboring or distant recipient cells. This mechanism is a fundamental mode of intercellular communication in both normal physiology and disease states. Exosomes are formed within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in the endosomal pathway and released upon fusion with the plasma membrane. Their cargo can modulate processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, immune responses, tissue repair, and tumorigenesis. In stem cells specifically, exosomes have been shown to regulate lineage specification and promote tissue regeneration through delivery of bioactive molecules like microRNAs. While this process is highly relevant for understanding disease mechanisms and developing novel therapies (e.g., using engineered exosomes), "paracrine signaling via exosome secretion" describes a biological pathway rather than a discrete molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Exosome secretionParacrine exosome signalingExosomal paracrine communication