title: Emerging role of extracellular vesicles in communication of preimplantation embryos in vitro.
abstract: In vitro, efficient communication between mammalian embryos in groups or between embryos and cocultured somatic cells implies that there is a sender, a message and a receiver that is able to decode the message. Embryos secrete a variety of autocrine and paracrine factors and, of these, extracellular vesicles have recently been implicated as putative messengers in embryo-embryo communication, as well as in communication of the embryo with the maternal tract. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles that are found in biofluids and in culture media conditioned by the presence of embryos or cells. EVs carry and transfer regulatory molecules, such as microRNAs, mRNAs, lipids and proteins. We conducted a systematic search of the literature to review and present the currently available evidence regarding the possible roles of EVs in in vitro embryo communication and embryo development. It is important to note that there is limited information available on the molecular mechanisms and many of the biologically plausible functions of EVs in embryo communication have not yet been substantiated by conclusive experimental evidence. However, indirect evidence, such as the use of media conditioned by embryos or by somatic cells with improved embryo development as a result, may indicate that EVs can be an important asset for the development of tailor-made media, allowing better embryo development in vitro, even for single embryo culture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: Krishna C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Pavani
authors.affiliation: INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alminana
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: Eline
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wydooghe
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: Maaike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Catteeuw
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain.
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ramírez
authors.affiliation: INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mermillod
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain.
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rizos
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Soom