Work

Pulmonary Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles Preferentially Interact and Are Processed in Pulmonary Endothelial Cells

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate vascular injury and homeostasis; however, the intracellular mechanisms for the EV effects are unknown. While EV components and functions are well studied, their cellular uptake and intracellular processing remain unclear. Following our previous work on EVs, we investigated EV uptake mechanisms and organelle localization. Pulmonary endothelial-derived EVs showed preferential interaction with pulmonary vessels, particularly injured vessels. Co-culture experiments confirmed endothelial cells as exclusive EV targets via energy-dependent, clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Intracellularly, EVs colocalized with lysosomes and trans-Golgi, suggesting degradation and protein recycling pathways. These findings provide insights into temporal EV uptake dynamics and organelle interactions, establishing a foundation for understanding EV processing and content distribution mechanisms.

Source: FASEB BioAdvances

DOI: 10.1096/fba.2025-00327

Authors: Aritra Bhadra, April Scruggs, April Haven, Morgan Malone, Natalie Bauer

Institution: University of South Alabama

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,880