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Uterosomes: Exosomal cargo during the estrus cycle and interaction with sperm
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The term “uterosomes” was first used to classify extracellular membrane vesicles released into the uterine luminal fluid. These extracellular vesicles (EVs), varying in sizes, fit the classification of exosomes and microvesicles on the basis of size, the presence of the CD9 biochemical marker, and lateral orientation of the membrane. Uterosomes appear to be formed by the apocrine pathway, similar to other reproductive EVs. In the murine system, the protein cargo carried by uterosomes includes glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked and transmembrane proteins and these are hormonally regulated, appearing at high levels during proestrus/estrus and only marginally present at diestrus/metestrus. Uterosomes have been shown to deliver proteins in their cargo to sperm, with a functional impact, and are thought to participate in promoting sperm capacitation. Further studies are warranted, particularly those aimed at identifying the contents of their cargo during the estrus and menstrual cycle and the role they play n sperm maturation.