Abstract
The participation of extracellular vesicles in many cellular processes, including reproduction, is unquestionable. Although currently, the tetraspanin proteins found in extracellular vesicles are mostly applied as markers, increasing evidence points to their role in extracellular vesicle biogenesis, cargo selection, cell targeting, and cell uptake under both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we bring other insight into the involvement of tetraspanin proteins in extracellular vesicle physiology in mammalian reproduction. We provide knowledge regarding the involvement of extracellular vesicle tetraspanins in these processes in somatic cells. Furthermore, we discuss the future direction towards an understanding of their functions in the tissues and fluids of the mammalian reproductive system in gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo development; their involvement in mutual cell contact and communication in their complexity.
Highlights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-derived particles released from cells into the extracellular space
The authors stated that the CD9 layer is predominantly produced in oocytes, while the CD81 layer is predominantly produced in cumulus cells and localized to the zona pellucida (ZP) [148]
Successful maturation of a developmentally competent oocyte is followed by its release from the ovary into the oviduct, a part of the female reproductive tract that connects the ovary with the uterus and provides the opportunity for transport and contact between female and male gametes, followed by successful fertilization and early embryo development
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-derived particles released from cells into the extracellular space. The currently known data regarding the molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles (lipids, RNAs, and proteins) are summarized in the ExoCarta database [9,10,11] and in Vesiclepedia, a compendium for EVs [12,13] Based on their diameter, EVs can be classified into several groups, namely, ectosomes, or shedding microvesicles (MVs) (100–1000 nm) [14,15,16]; exosomes (EXs) (30–100 nm) [15]; apoptotic bodies (ABs) (50–5000 nm) [17,18]; and other EV subsets, as reported by Shah et al [19]. We focus on current knowledge regarding EV tetraspanins, regarding reproduction, and their demonstrated or predicted function
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
