Immersed in a reservoir of potential: amniotic fluid-derived extracellular vesicles.

ABSTRACT: This review aims to encapsulate the current knowledge in extracellular vesicles extracted from amniotic fluid and amniotic fluid derived stem/stromal cells. Amniotic fluid (AF) bathes the developing fetus, providing nutrients and protection from biological and mechanical dangers. In addition to containing a myriad of proteins, immunoglobulins and growth factors, AF is a rich source of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These vesicles originate from cells in the fetoplacental unit. They are biological messengers carrying an active cargo enveloped within the lipid bilayer. EVs in reproduction are known to play key roles in all stages of pregnancy, starting from fertilisation through to parturition. The intriguing biology of AF-derived EVs (AF-EVs) in pregnancy and their untapped potential as biom

SUBMITTER: Atukorala I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11010396 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature