Dennis Jeppesen, PhD

Dr. Jeppesen studies content and biological roles of extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles that represent an important yet poorly understood area of intercellular communication. By using several innovative approaches, he has been able to show that the composition of exosomes must undergo a major reassessment (Jeppesen et al. 2019. Cell, 177, 428-445; Leading Edge Preview by Pluchino and Smith. 2019. Cell, 177, 225-227). His work has highlighted the diversity and heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles but also presents new techniques that allow precise characterization of exosomes. The export route of AGO1-4 proteins has been a controversial question in the extracellular RNA field, but Dr. Jeppesen has now conclusively demonstrated that the major secretion route is non-vesicular.