Milk exosomes and a new way of communication between mother and child

Authors

  • Eleni Papakonstantinou Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855, Athens
  • Konstantina Dragoumani Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855, Athens
  • Thanasis Mitsis Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855, Athens
  • George P Chrousos University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens
  • Dimitrios Vlachakis Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855, Athens

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14806/ej.29.0.1050

Keywords:

extracellular vesicles, exosome composition, intercellular communication, milk exosomes, maternal-infant communication

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of lipid-bound vesicles released by cells into the extracellular space. EVs are an important mediator of intercellular communications and carry a wide variety of molecules that exert a biological function, such as lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, ions, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Extracellular vesicles are classified into microvesicles, exosomes, and apoptotic bodies depending on their biogenesis and size. Exosomes are spherical lipid-bilayer vesicles with a diameter of about 40 to 100 nm. Exosomes originate from intracellular endosomal compartments, while microvesicles originated directly from a cell’s plasma membrane and apoptotic bodies originate from cells undergoing apoptosis and are released via outward blebbing and fragmentation of the plasma membrane. Specifically, exosomes have garnered great attention since they display great potential as both biomarkers and carriers of therapeutic molecules.

Author Biography

  • George P Chrousos, University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens
    shared corresponing authorhip with DV

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Published

2024-05-22

Issue

Section

Research Papers