Microvesicles in the brain: Biomarker, messenger or mediator?

Microvesicles (MVs) are cell-derived vesicles produced after membrane remodeling of eukaryotic cells during activation or apoptosis. MVs are considered a novel biomarker/messenger for many diseases. Neurons, astrocytes, microglia, as well as neural stem cells, have been described to release MVs, many studies have demonstrated the involvement of platelets and endothelial MVs in some central nervous diseases. This review is focused on understanding the role of MVs in the brain; new findings demonstrated that MVs can contribute to the onset and progression of some neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, as well as to the development and regeneration of the nervous system. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.