This article provides an overview of literature pertaining to epididymosome origin, composition and their functional significance. Broadly, epididymosomes are defined as extracellular vesicles that are secreted by the epididymal epithelium and thereafter facilitate intercellular communication within the male reproductive tract. Epididymosomes fulfil this communication role via their encapsulation and delivery of a diverse macromolecular payload to recipient cells. This complex cargo includes proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are delivered to maturing spermatozoa, thereby influencing their viability and function. Additionally, epididymosomes have been implicated in the post-translational modification of intrinsic sperm proteins, protection of sperm from oxidative stress and immune surveillance, and in the transmission of epigenetic information capable of mediating intergenerational effects. Hence, continued research into the biogenesis, cargo composition, and functional significance of epididymosomes holds promise for advancing male reproductive health and fertility treatments.
Advances in anatomy, embryology, and cell biology. 2024 Sep 24 [Epub ahead of print]
Laura Orama Méar, Pei-Shiue Tsai, Cottrell Tangella Tamessar, John Even Schjenken, Brett Nixon
Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan., Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia., Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. .