title: Extracellular vesicles in the urine: markers and mediators of tissue damage and regeneration.
abstract: As in several body fluids, urine is a rich reservoir of extracellular vesicles (EVs) directly originating from cells facing the urinary lumen, including differentiated tubular cells, progenitor cells and infiltrating inflammatory cells. Several markers of glomerular and tubular damage, such as WT-1, ATF3 and NGAL, as well as of renal regeneration, such as CD133, have been identified representing an incredible source of information for diagnostic purposes. In addition, urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) appear to be involved in the cell-to-cell communication along the nephron, although this aspect needs further elucidation. Finally, uEVs emerge as potential amplifying or limiting factors in renal damage. Vesicles from injured cells may favour fibrosis and disease progression whereas those from cells with regenerative potential appear to promote cell survival. Here, we will discuss the most recent findings of the literature, on the light of the role of EVs in diagnosis and therapy for damage and repair of the renal tissue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences , University of Torino , Torino , Italy ; Department of Medical Sciences , University of Torino , Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ranghino
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences , University of Torino , Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dimuccio
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences , University of Torino , Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Elli
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Papadimitriou
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences , University of Torino , Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Benedetta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bussolati
keywords: biomarkers; exosomes; kidney injury; progenitor cells; urine