Intercellular communication refers to the communication between cells. These can be the cells of an individual or in some cases between the cells of two different individuals. For example, communication between spermatozoa with fallopian tube cells or spermatozoa interactions with oocyte leading to fertilization and creation of an embryo.
Cells interact and signal each other through different means and methods. These signals can be via chemical cues and in a targeted or a general manner. Recently extracellular vesicles have been identified as potential means of communication between different cells. Extracellular vesicles are very tiny packages that may carry different cargos such as proteins or genomic materials. These tiny bags are nearly the size of viruses.
The TransGeno ERA chair laboratory is the first lab in Estonia to be equipped with Nano-particle tracking analysis equipment for characterization of extracellular vesicles. Research is currently ongoing to understand the role that extracellular vesicles play in intercellular communication in heath and disease and the potential of using extracellular particles in developing new diagnostic as well as therapeutic means for skin problems as well as diagnosis and treatment of infertility.