Mineralizing Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous particles released by all cell types, with sizes ranging from a few tens of nanometers up to one micron. Mineralization-competent cells release a special class of EVs known as mineralizing EVs, able to form apatite minerals. Over two decade's of research demonstrate the importance and promise of mineralizing EVs. Mineralizing Extracellular Vesicles presents, for the first time, all aspects of mineralizing EVs including their composition, function in physiological and pathological processes, and the practical aspects of their research. Sixteen chapters provide a systematic account of mineralizing EVs that will be an essential reference for researchers in biochemistry, molecular biology, engineering, endocrinology and human health. Mineralizing Extracellular Vesicles presents the state-of-the art in the properties of mineralizing EVs and their potential clinical applications. The first chapter presents foundational biochemical and biological aspects of EVs. Next, the title coves the role of EVs in bone ossification and in cardiovascular and cartilage-related diseases. Considering the unique ability of this class of EVs to form apatite minerals assigned to their special biochemical machinery, three chapters of the book then focus on the enzymes catalysing the inorganic phosphate and calcium turn-over and the dynamic properties of the vesicles’ peripheral proteins. Chapters describe the role of inorganic phosphate and calcium ions and of autophagy on the biogenesis and function of mineralizing EVs. Recent studies show that the lumen of mineralizing EVs is partially filled with miRNA, and a chapter therefore considers research on the possible function of these vesicles as signalosomes. The final five chapters of the book describe practical aspects of working with mineralizing EVs, including their purification, proteomic and biophysical analyses, the use of biomimetic models and mineralizing EVs in regenerative medicine. This title presents, for the first time, a comprehensive account of mineralizing EVs and their potential clinical applications. It will be invaluable to researchers in the field. Covers all aspects of mineralizing EVs, from their composition to their function in physiological and pathological processes, and their clinical potential Presents mineralizing EVs systematically using clear accessible language Describes practical aspects of working with mineralizing EVs Integrates an account of the biochemistry and biophysics of vesicles with their functions Takes a multidisciplinary perspective, offering an exhaustive and cutting-edge account of mineralizing EVs and human health