title: Microparticles: a new perspective in central nervous system disorders.
abstract: Microparticles (MPs) are a heterogeneous population of small cell-derived vesicles, ranging in size from 0.1 to 1  μ m. They contain a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, biolipids, and nucleic acids, which can be transferred between cells without direct cell-to-cell contact. Consequently, MPs represent a novel form of intercellular communication, which could play a role in both physiological and pathological processes. Growing evidence indicates that circulating MPs contribute to the development of cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Most cell types of the central nervous system (CNS) have also been shown to release MPs, which could be important for neurodevelopment, CNS maintenance, and pathologies. In disease, levels of certain MPs appear elevated; therefore, they may serve as biomarkers allowing for the development of new diagnostic tools for detecting the early stages of CNS pathologies. Quantification and characterization of MPs could also provide useful information for making decisions on treatment options and for monitoring success of therapies, particularly for such difficult-to-treat diseases as cerebral malaria, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Overall, studies on MPs in the CNS represent a novel area of research, which promises to expand the knowledge on the mechanisms governing some of the physiological and pathophysiological processes of the CNS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC, Canada V1V 1V7.
authors.forename: Stephanie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Schindler
authors.affiliation: Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada V1V 1V7.
authors.forename: Jonathan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Little
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 3333 University Way, Kelowna, BC, Canada V1V 1V7.
authors.forename: Andis
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6587-6458
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klegeris
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002450:Cell Communication; D055252:Cell-Derived Microparticles / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans