Separating Pathways in the Extracellular ESCRT Service

We have known for a long time that cells communicate with their neighbors by secreting a wide array of small molecules and macromolecules. However, in the past three decades, it has become increasingly apparent that cells also release membrane-bounded vesicles not merely to discard selected cellular contents but as an extension of the intercellular communication network. Indeed, there is now vigorous and widespread interest in the roles of these extracellular vesicles (ECVs) as purveyors between cells of growth factors, selected receptors, cytoplasmic signaling proteins, transcription factors, a range of nucleic acid transcripts, DNA, and selected lipids (1).

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