Neuron-derived Extracellular Vesicles Contain Synaptic Proteins, Promote Spine Formation, Activate TrkB-mediated Signalling and Preserve Neuronal Complexity

Overview

Journal J Extracell Vesicles

Publisher Wiley

Date 2023 Sep 24

PMID 37743539

Authors

Julia Solana-Balaguer

Genis Campoy-Campos

Nuria Martin-Flores

Leticia Perez-Sisques

Laia Sitja-Roqueta

Melike Kucukerden

Ana Gamez-Valero

Albert Coll-Manzano

Eulalia Marti

Esther Perez-Navarro

Jordi Alberch

Jordi Soriano

Merce Masana

Cristina Malagelada

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in intercellular communication as carriers of signalling molecules such as bioactive miRNAs, proteins and lipids. EVs are key players in the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) by influencing synaptic events and modulating recipient neurons. However, the specific role of neuron-to-neuron communication via EVs is still not well understood. Here, we provide evidence that primary neurons uptake neuron-derived EVs in the soma, dendrites, and even in the dendritic spines, and carry synaptic proteins. Neuron-derived EVs increased spine density and promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6), via TrkB-signalling, without impairing the neuronal network activity. Strikingly, EVs exerted a trophic effect on challenged nutrient-deprived neurons. Altogether, our results place EVs in the spotlight for synaptic plasticity modulation as well as a possible therapeutic tool to fight neurodegeneration.

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