Topic: Dietary Regulation of Extracellular Vesicle Signaling in Metabolic Disease

Metabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related disorders, are driven by complex interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors, among which diet plays a central role. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms through which dietary exposures influence systemic metabolic regulation remain incompletely understood.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication, enabling the transfer of bioactive molecules such as non-coding RNAs, proteins, lipids, and metabolites between tissues. These vesicles are increasingly recognized not only as biomarkers of metabolic states but also as active regulators of physiological and pathological processes. Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary factors can influence both the biogenesis and molecular cargo of EVs, thereby modulating their biological function.

Recent studies indicate that EV-associated cargo may participate in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, inflammatory responses, lipid metabolism, and energy homeostasis. In addition, EVs may represent a mechanistic interface linking diet, host metabolism, and the gut microbiome. However, much of the current literature remains descriptive, and fundamental questions regarding causality, specificity, and functional relevance are still unresolved.

This Special Issue aims to highlight advances that move the field beyond association toward mechanistic understanding. We welcome contributions that explore how dietary factors regulate EV-mediated signaling and how these processes influence metabolic disease. Particular emphasis is placed on studies integrating functional validation, systems-level approaches, and clinical relevance.

By focusing on the mechanistic basis of EV-mediated communication in metabolic contexts, this collection seeks to advance the field toward more predictive and translational frameworks.

Intercellular communication, metabolism, diet, extracellular vesicles, non-coding RNA, system biology, gut-host interaction, functional validation