Understanding extracellular vesicles

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important mode of intercellular communication, by selective packaging and transfer of biological information between cells. The advent of quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, in conjunction with advances in molecular cell biology, and EV purification strategies, has contributed significantly to our improved characterization and understanding of themolecular composition and functionality of EVs. The field of EVs is a rapidly growing area of basic, applied, and biomedical research, with the identification of new types of EVs, their biology and functions, as well as the development of novel approaches to purify, and characterize them. This themed research topic has covered a number of cutting-edge discoveries, and importantly, how proteomics is advancing key questions in the field. Quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics holds the promise of identification, quantification, and validation of EV proteins, determining EV subtypespecific markers and biological insights in how EVs modulate and interact with target cells, directed towards biomedical research, therapeutic considerations, and clinical application. This topic has provided new data on EV subtypes, their biogenesis, influence on target cells, and considerations in their manufacturer and application in biomarker discovery. Wepredict an innovative anddiverse future for expanding the application of mass spectrometry proteomics to discovery research, manufacturing, preclinical analyses, and clinical and therapeutic development in the EV community. We thank all contributors to this special issue research topic and the referees for their prompt and in-depth reviews.