Michael Rimmer: Extracellular Vesicles in Reproductive Physiology and Pathology
Michael Rimmer, NHS and CSO Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Edinburgh, shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper he co-authored with colleagues published in Physiological Reviews:
”Our review, Extracellular Vesicles in Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, is now published open access in Physiological Reviews!
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound nanostructures released by virtually all cells. They carry proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and metabolites to recipient cells, where they can change gene expression and even a cell’s behaviour.
They work alongside soluble factors and direct cell contact as a major route of intercellular communication.
In reproduction, EVs have many roles, including:
- regulating sperm function,
- oocyte maturation,
- fertilisation
- the embryo-maternal crosstalk needed for implantation, and may improve embryo development in IVF.
In pregnancy, placental EVs help establish maternal tolerance of the fetus, while increased EV release in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes contributes to maternal endothelial and metabolic dysfunction.
This makes them promising as non-invasive biomarkers and possible vehicles for placental therapies.
We are still learning how EVs deliver their cargo and bring about these effects, and I’m excited to continue EV research at the University of Edinburgh.
A huge thank you to my co-authors and PhD supervisors, Prof. Chris Gregory and Prof. Rod Mitchell, for their guidance and support throughout this project.
Chris has been a generous and thoughtful mentor, and his work on cell death and EV biology has influenced many people, myself included.
Rod’s expertise in reproductive health brought a great deal to the review, and his encouragement and practical advice have been invaluable throughout my PhD.”
Title: Extracellular vesicles in reproductive physiology and pathology
Authors: Michael P. Rimmer, Rod T. Mitchell, Christopher D. Gregory
You can read the Full Article in Physiological Reviews.
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