Silent messengers in the nano-world: Harnessing extracellular vesicles as theranostic tools for neonatal surgical conditions

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed nanoparticles secreted by all cells that mediate intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Among their cargo, microRNAs are key post-transcriptional regulators of organogenesis. In fetal lung development, EV-mediated signaling is essential for the coordination of epithelial, mesenchymal, endothelial, and immune cells. In congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), disruption of these interactions leads to pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension, the primary causes of morbidity and mortality.