| Abstract | Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound structures secreted by cells that have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication, carrying a diverse cargo of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that regulate various physiological processes. This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into EV-mediated processes across diverse animal species, shedding light on their significance in biological systems. EV signature profiles of purple sea urchin, sea lamprey and reindeer and their deiminated protein cargoes revealed similarity across species, highlighting the conservation of deiminated proteins involved in epigenetic regulation and innate immune responses across phylogeny. Examination of circulatory EVs under stress conditions in a hypoxia-resistant species, such as the naked mole-rat, identifies pathways linking the brain citrullinome alterations to changes in circulatory EV profiles. Moreover, the thesis explores the regenerative potential of EVs derived from Atlantic cod mucus and serum. Proteomic analysis of cod-derived EVs uncovers a distinct cargo of proteins contributing to wound healing processes. Functional assays demonstrate the efficacy of cod serum-derived EVs in enhancing wound closure and upregulating key regulators of tissue repair. Findings from the studies in this thesis aimed at advancing EV-mediated cellular communication and its implications for health and diseases. Elucidating EV signatures and functions across phylogeny offers insights into the development of EV-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. |
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