What this means
This review collects recent work on tiny packets muscles release that can carry signals to other organs. It is a summary of earlier studies, not a new test, so it cannot show how these signals work in people.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the abstract. The original is below.
- Who it was tested in
- A review of earlier studies
- Kind of research
- A summary of earlier studies
The science
- Original title
- Skeletal Muscle-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Interorgan Communication During Aging.
- Authors
- Jiang W, Chua K, Young J et al.
- Journal
- Aging cell
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Study type
- Review · in humans
- PMID
- 42876337 ↗
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is increasingly recognized as a secretory organ that communicates with distant tissues through the release of bioactive factors, including extracellular vesicles (EVs). During aging, muscle-derived EVs have emerged as important mediators of interorgan communication, influencing tissue homeostasis, regeneration, metabolism, and disease progression. Recent studies demonstrate that skeletal muscle EVs carry diverse cargos such as proteins, lipids, metabolites, and regulatory RNAs that can modulate the function of recipient cells in multiple organs. In particular, aging-associated alterations in EV biogenesis, cargo composition, and secretion may contribute to chronic inflammation, stem cell dysfunction, metabolic decline, and age-related pathologies. In this review, we summarize current advances in skeletal muscle-derived EV biology and their roles in interorgan communication during aging. We discuss mechanisms regulating EV formation and cargo loading, their impact on stem cell function and tissue regeneration, and their involvement in aging-related diseases. We also highlight the translational potential of muscle EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Together, these findings identify muscle-derived EVs as key regulators of systemic aging and interorgan signaling.
Jiang W, Chua K, Young J et al. Skeletal Muscle-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Interorgan Communication During Aging. Aging cell. 2026. doi:10.1111/acel.70773. PMID: 42876337. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42876337/