What is "exosome"

n. (context biology English) A vesicle responsible for the selective removal of plasma membrane proteins

Exosome may refer to:

• Exosome complex, a macromolecular complex involved in RNA degradation
• Exosome (vesicle), a vesicle secreted by mammalian cells

Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that are present in many and perhaps all biological fluids, including blood, urine, and cultured medium of cell cultures. The reported diameter of exosomes is between 30 and 100 nm, which is larger than LDL but much smaller than, for example, red blood cells. Exosomes are either released from the cell when multivesicular bodies fuse with the plasma membrane or they are released directly from the plasma membrane. Evidence is accumulating that exosomes have specialized functions and play a key role in processes such as coagulation, intercellular signaling, and waste management. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the clinical applications of exosomes. Exosomes can potentially be used for prognosis, therapy, and as biomarkers for health and disease.