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Definition: What are the mechanisms by which exosomes modulate cellular responses to stress?

When cells are exposed to stress, such as oxidative stress, heat shock, or nutrient deprivation, they undergo various changes in their cellular responses to adapt and survive. Exosomes have been found to be involved in modulating these cellular responses to stress through several mechanisms.

1. Transfer of protective molecules: Exosomes can transfer protective molecules, such as heat shock proteins, antioxidants, and microRNAs, from stressed cells to neighboring cells. These molecules can help recipient cells to better cope with stress and enhance their survival.

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2. Removal of harmful molecules: Stressed cells may accumulate toxic molecules or damaged organelles. Exosomes can engulf and remove these harmful components from stressed cells, preventing their accumulation and potential detrimental effects.

3. Activation of stress response pathways: Exosomes can activate stress response pathways in recipient cells. For example, exosomes derived from heat-stressed cells can transfer heat shock proteins to recipient cells, leading to the activation of heat shock response pathways and increased cellular stress tolerance.

4. Induction of cellular signaling: Exosomes can induce specific signaling pathways in recipient cells, which can modulate cellular responses to stress. For instance, exosomes derived from immune cells can transfer cytokines or chemokines to target cells, triggering immune responses that can help combat stress.

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5. Epigenetic regulation: Exosomes can transfer nucleic acids, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, to recipient cells. These nucleic acids can regulate gene expression and epigenetic modifications in the recipient cells, influencing their stress responses.

Overall, exosomes play a crucial role in modulating cellular responses to stress by transferring bioactive molecules, removing harmful components, activating stress response pathways, inducing cellular signaling, and regulating gene expression. Understanding the mechanisms by which exosomes mediate these effects can provide valuable insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for various stress-related conditions and diseases.

Keywords: stress, exosomes, cellular, responses, molecules, recipient, transfer, pathways, stressed