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New studies reveal that small membrane-bound particles transported between cells have long-term and extended effects in the brain and throughout the body, ranging from communication between neurons to the transmission of stress effects to the next generation. . Such extracellular vesicles released from the brain into the blood can also open the way for a cerebral pathology facilitating the diagnosis of the disease. The results were presented at Neuroscience 2018.
Extracellular vesicles are small cell membrane bubbles that break off from cells and carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to other cells. They are produced by most body tissues, including the brain, and can target very specific cell types, giving them an important role in cell-to-cell communication.
The new discoveries of today show that:
- The retroviral properties of the Arc neuronal protein help regulate brain circuits via a new type of intercellular signaling (Jason Shepherd, abstract 465.20).
- In male mice, alterations in the extracellular content of the stress-induced extracellular vesicles that melt with sperm can interfere with the health and development of the offspring (Tracy Bale, abstract 500.13).
- A simple blood test that analyzes the contents of small vesicles released by brain cells can help distinguish neurological disorders with similar symptoms (Gal Bitan, abstract 750.10).
"The results presented today demonstrate the utility of extracellular vesicles and their role in various brain processes," said moderator Dr. Robert Rissman of the press conference. University of California San Diego, expert their involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease. "They may be the key to understanding how proteins and other signaling molecules are transferred between brain cells and the periphery and when they are isolated from blood, may be essential for developing readily available diagnostic tools for potentially predict diseases and understand normal functioning. "
Explore further:
Studies highlight the lasting effects of early life stress on the genome, intestines and brain
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