Extracellular vesicles in kidney disease – A veterinary perspective

• Published in: The veterinary journal (1997) Vol. 308; p. 106247
• Main Authors: Lawson, Jack S., Williams, Timothy L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2024
• Subjects: AKI; CKD; Ectosomes; Exosomes; Microvesicles; Microvesicles; Exosomes; CKD; Ectosomes; AKI
• ISSN: 1090-0233; 1532-2971; 1532-2971
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106247

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane bound vesicles secreted from cells into the extracellular space which have an emerging role in both normal kidney physiology and the pathophysiology of kidney injury, predominantly as mediators of intercellular communication. EVs contain proteins and RNA cargo which reflect their cell of origin and can be isolated from the urine of cats and dogs. The majority of urinary EVs (uEVs) originate from the kidney, and both the uEV proteome and transcriptome have been investigated as sources of biomarkers of kidney disease. In addition to their possible diagnostic role, EVs may also have therapeutic potential, and veterinary species have been used as models to demonstrate the efficacy of exogenous EVs derived from mesenchymal stromal cells in the treatment of acute kidney injury. Furthermore, bioengineered EVs may represent a novel vehicle for the administration of drugs or therapeutic nucleic acids in kidney disease. This article reviews the biological functions of EVs within the kidney, techniques for their isolation, and their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic agents, with particular focus on the potential significance to veterinary patients. •Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication within the kidney.•EVs play an important role in renal homeostasis and response to injury.•Urinary EVs may have potential as biomarkers of renal disease in cats and dogs.•Mesenchymal stromal cell EVs are a potential future therapy for acute kidney injury.