Anti-fibrotic drug could be repurposed to control cell communication

What happened

Researchers found that the compound, SD-208, which reduces scar tissue in organs, substantially reduced the release of extracellular vesicles, microscopic packages that cells use to carry proteins and other biological signals to neighboring and distant cells. An experimental antifibrotic compound can dramatically alter how cells release the microscopic packages they use to communicate, according to new research from the University of Surrey.

Key facts

• Researchers — found: that the compound, SD-208, which reduces scar tissue in organs, substantially reduced the release of extracellular vesicles, microscopic packages that cells use to carry proteins and other biological signals to neighboring and distant cells