Metabolic Nano-Machines: Extracellular Vesicles Containing Active Enzymes and Their Contribution to Liver Diseases

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe field of extracellular vesicles is growing exponentially because of the important role that these extracellular organelles had on cell to cell communication, triggering a large number of review compilations focusing on different aspects of their biology. Although their importance as effectors or potential biomarkers is well covered, the highlight of extracellular vesicles as carriers of active enzymes which have the capability to transform the surrounding media is less covered by bibliographic studies. In the present review, we focus our attention on enzymatic activity carried by vesicles, with special attention on their contribution to liver conditions.Recent FindingsExtracellular vesicles are circulating membrane-bound entities, characterized by a specific cargo. This cargo depends on the parental cell and the stimulus that triggers their release. Interestingly, the cargo includes active enzymes which had the ability of transforming the extracellular environment. Among them, extracellular vesicles derived from hepatocytes harbor specific liver enzymes that may cause an impact in the surrounds and target cells.SummaryIn this review, we summarize different active enzymes described in extracellular vesicles and we focus on enzymatic activities associated to liver damage. Since their release increases under liver damage conditions, their activity impact could play a role in the pathogenesis of liver and liver-associated diseases. Numerous examples i...

Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - July 16, 2019 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research