Astrocytes and Glioblastoma cells release exosomes carrying mtDNA

M Guescini, S Genedani, V Stocchi… - Journal of neural …, 2010 - Springer
M Guescini, S Genedani, V Stocchi, LF Agnati
Journal of neural transmission, 2010Springer
Cells can exchange information not only by means of chemical and/or electrical signals, but
also via microvesicles released into the intercellular space. The present paper, for the first
time, provides evidence that Glioblastoma and Astrocyte cells release microvesicles, which
carry mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). These microvesicles have been characterised as
exosomes in view of the presence of some protein markers of exosomes, such as Tsg101,
CD9 and Alix. Thus, the important finding has been obtained that bonafide exosomes …
Abstract
Cells can exchange information not only by means of chemical and/or electrical signals, but also via microvesicles released into the intercellular space. The present paper, for the first time, provides evidence that Glioblastoma and Astrocyte cells release microvesicles, which carry mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). These microvesicles have been characterised as exosomes in view of the presence of some protein markers of exosomes, such as Tsg101, CD9 and Alix. Thus, the important finding has been obtained that bonafide exosomes, constitutively released by Glioblastoma cells and Astrocytes, can carry mtDNA, which can be, therefore, transferred between cells. This datum may help the understanding of some diseases due to mitochondrial alterations.
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