Abstract
Microparticles (MPs) are a heterogeneous population of small cell-derived vesicles, ranging in size from 0.1 to 1 μm. They contain a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, biolipids, and nucleic acids, which can be transferred between cells without direct cell-to-cell contact. Consequently, MPs represent a novel form of intercellular communication, which could play a role in both physiological and pathological processes. Growing evidence indicates that circulating MPs contribute to the development of cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Most cell types of the central nervous system (CNS) have also been shown to release MPs, which could be important for neurodevelopment, CNS maintenance, and pathologies. In disease, levels of certain MPs appear elevated; therefore, they may serve as biomarkers allowing for the development of new diagnostic tools for detecting the early stages of CNS pathologies. Quantification and characterization of MPs could also provide useful information for making decisions on treatment options and for monitoring success of therapies, particularly for such difficult-to-treat diseases as cerebral malaria, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Overall, studies on MPs in the CNS represent a novel area of research, which promises to expand the knowledge on the mechanisms governing some of the physiological and pathophysiological processes of the CNS.
Highlights
The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of complex cellular networks made up predominantly by neurons and glia, which are cells that provide support and protection for neurons [1]
The CNS cells are in close contact with endothelial cells that control blood flow and form the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which in turn is important for controlling the transport of nutrients and macromolecules into and out of the brain [2]
Using endothelial cell-specific biomarkers for endothelial cell-derived MPs (EMPs), Jimenez et al [79] demonstrated that the counts of EMPs positive for specific markers varied depending on the stimulus applied
Summary
The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of complex cellular networks made up predominantly by neurons and glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia), which are cells that provide support and protection for neurons [1]. Cells undergoing apoptosis Phosphatidylserine Histones it is becoming increasingly evident that these vesicles may be linked to the onset and progression of a variety of diseases including cancer, inflammatory, autoimmune, and cardiovascular conditions, as well as CNS pathologies, which will be discussed in detail in this review. Recent research has discovered that MPs are, a heterogeneous population of membrane-derived vesicles that play a role in regulating various biological and physiological processes, including cell-cell communication, cell proliferation, coagulation, and inflammation. MPs can be released by a diverse population of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and multicellular organisms upon activation or apoptosis, under conditions of stress or injury This causes an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration leading to rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, allowing for the budding of MPs directly from the plasma membrane [13, 14]. A particular focus will be on the emerging roles of MPs in the CNS physiology and their contributions to select neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders
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