About this Research Topic
Extracellular vesicles are identified as nano- to micro-meter-sized vesicles that contain signaling molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids (mRNA, miRNA, and DNA); however, there is a lack of commonly used accurate techniques to isolate and to purify extracellular vesicles, to identify their exact size and morphology, and to distinguish between exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies. For example, specific extracellular vesicle markers need to be developed. Furthermore, the mechanisms of extracellular vesicle secretion processes and their cellular uptake need to be clarified. The cellular uptake of extracellular vesicles is thought to be mediated by membrane fusion and various types of endocytosis (e.g., receptor-, raft-mediated endocytosis, micropinocytosis, and phagocytosis), thus understanding endocytic pathways is also essential.
For advancements in this field, we need to develop new techniques (e.g., proteomics and imaging) as well as to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endocytic and extracellular vesicles. Thus, this Research Topic aims to present recent advances in the field of endocytic and extra-cellular vesicles from various perspectives. These studies will shed light on the molecular and physiological functions of endocytic and extracellular vesicles, providing new insights into their specific roles and mechanisms.
The current Research Topic aims to cover studies in the field of endocytosis and extracellular vesicles. Areas covered here include, but are not limited to:
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endocytic and extracellular vesicles.
• Physiological relevancies of endocytic and extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of various diseases.
• Application of endocytic and extracellular vesicles in biomarker development and drug de-sign.
• Development of new quantitative and qualitative techniques to advance our understanding of endocytic and extracellular vesicles.
• Development of advanced proteomics and imaging techniques to identify the molecular basis of endocytic and extracellular vesicles.
Original research articles and reviews are welcome. Articles in the advancement of methodologies to identify, isolate, and image endocytic and extracellular vesicles are also welcome.
Keywords: Endocytosis, Extracellular vesicles, Membrane traffic, Organelle Membrane contact sites, Phase separation Receptors, Membrane domains
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.