Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and the Evolution of Neural Complexity: Perspectives on Vesicle-Mediated Neuron-Glia Communication.

The classic view of neural communication occurring exclusively via synapses has been challenged by growing evidence that glial cells, in particular astrocytes, play an active role in shaping neural circuits. Astrocytes impact neural networks via distinct mechanisms, some of them remaining elusive. Here, we discuss the role of astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) and their possible functions in complementing intercellular communication in parallel with synaptic communication and direct gliotransmission. Because astrocytes have undergone substantial evolutionary expansion and diversification in mammals, we also draw the perspective that frames ADEVs within an evolutionary context. We posit that ADEV-mediated signaling may represent an additional candidate axis of astrocyte-neuron communication and discuss testable predictions this hypothesis generates.