Exosomes are like that garbage disposal unit and the postman between cells. Exosomes are secreted from Normal cells and can contain messages from one cell to another or take microscopic molecules from on cell to another.
OUR GROUP We decided that it would be a good idea to make an Exosome with all the possible molecules or messages. Below is a picture of an Exosome and our model of an Exosome. The coloured molecules match up with the molecules on the model so if you want to know what one of the molecules it you simply have to: -Decide which you would like to know more about -Remember their colour and shape so you can refer to the model and work out what it is. -Look through the list of molecules and there will be a small definition of each.
EXOSOME TERMS:
APP - APP is a gene that provides instructions to the cells in the body to produce a protein called Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP). You can find APP in any tissues in the body. Scientists aren't sure what APP does but believe that it helps proteins bind to each other. However when APP is cleaved incorrectly it splits into two parts: Beta - Amyloid and Soluble Amyloid Precursor Protein. Other of these are not good for the brain and cause blockages between neurons.
PrPc PRPc is the shorter abbreviation of Cellular Prion Protein, this protein’s function is currently unknown. However there has been increasing amounts of research done and there is increasing knowledge of location and interaction of PrPC with other molecules.
PrPsc PrPsc is derived from the protein PrPc and is the pathogen form of PrPc and stands for Scrapie Prion Disease compared to Cellular Prion Disease. PrPsc is the negative of the two and is believed to help cause Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Tetraspanins Tetraspanins are a group of proteins that are believed to manage what cells do with other cells and are also required in the human organs such as the: Eye, kidney and the immune system.
Beta Amyloid Beta Amyloid is a toxic protein that blocks communication between neurons, engulfing them and eventually destroying them. Beta Amyloid comes from a normal protein and its called Amyloid Precursor Protein, when in its normal state before mutation. When the normal protein turns toxic, it is when the DNA is copied into RNA that this happens and a mistake or a mutation is made in the copy. Beta Amyloid is on the membrane of the cell and is involved with metabolising and lipids (roles inside a cell). Beta amyloid destroys the waste removal systems and ends up engulfing and destroying the neurons, by clumping together causing plaques.
Lipid Rafts Lipid rafts exist in the plasma of cell membranes and are a group of proteins. They are believed to be involved in communication between cells and to suppress instinctual reflexes.
MHC - I & II MHC stands for Major Histocompatibility Complex and provide the body’s immune system with the information stating whether a cell is meant to be in the body or not. It is crucial because if it did not exist the cell would be attacked by the immune system.
Transmembrane Proteins The transmembrane proteins exist in the surface of exosomes and are embedded into the membrane and basically hold the cell together. Without these proteins the cell would just be a blob of liquid that floated around.
MiRNA (micro RNA) and RNA MiRNA and RNA are small copies of someone's original DNA (the genetic makeup of someone). These copies are sent around the body to message other cells with instructions for what they need to do or produce. The only issue with this is that sometimes the RNA mutate and turn into rogue cells that attack the body.
SOD1 The SOD1 gene is present all through the body, and provides instructions for making an enzyme called superoxide dismutase. Superoxide Dismutase is a metal-containing antioxidant metabolic cell that reduces harmful free radicals of oxygen.
Cytoskeletal Proteins (Actin and Tublin) Cytoskeletal Proteins are part of the cytoskeleton. The Cytoskeleton is kind of like your skeleton for the cell. It is like a highway in the cell that allows tiny messages and solids to move around the cells.
Membrane Transport and Fusion(Annexins and RAB GTPasins) The Membrane Transport and Fusion are basically the highways between cells and organs. They are tube that allow ions and small molecules through the membranes of cells. When two Membranes merge together the fuse hence the word fusion.
Heat shock Proteins Heat Shock Proteins or HSPs in its abbreviated form is to help protect cells from hot and cold body climates as well as low amounts in oxygen or glucose (sugar). This protein also helps other surrounding proteins and HSPs presence can rise when suffering cancer.
A - Synuclein Alpha Synuclein is found all over the body but there is a higher amount in the brain. It is usually found at the transmitters of cells. Alpha Synuclein is believed to help with the transmission and be related with the release of dopamine. This is directly relating it to Parkinson’s Disease.
Metabolic Enzymes Metabolic Enzymes is a catalyst or a spark that start essential chemical reactions our body needs to live. They are necessary for digesting food, stimulating the brain, providing cellular energy and repairing all tissue, organs and cells.