Cross talk between exosomes and pancreatic ß-cells in diabetes.

ABSTRACT

Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles with a diameter of 50-100 nm secreted by various cells. They are generated through complex intracellular production mechanisms before being secreted to the extracellular environment. Due to their inclusion of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, exosomes play an important role in intercellular communication. Pancreatic ß-cells play an irreplaceable role in the body's glucose metabolism. Their dysfunction is one of the causes of diabetes. Exosomes of various cells regulate the function of ß-cells by regulating autoimmunity, delivering non-coding RNAs, or directly regulating intracellular signal pathways. This communication between ß-cells and other cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of diabetes, and has potential for clinical application. This paper reviews the biological sources and functions of exosomes, as well as intercellular crosstalk between ß-cells and other cells that is involved in ß-cell failure and regeneration.