Fig. 1.

Potential conduits for cellular escape of biomolecules: (1) the ER–Golgi secretory network is the physiological pathway through which the processing, folding and secretion of proteins (e.g. insulin, amylin) is routinely achieved in beta cells; (2) the EV pathways are recognised as conduits through which a multitude of biomolecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and metabolites are released, either through endosomes (exosomes) or plasma membrane outcroppings into EVs (microvesicles); (3) apoptosis/cellular necrosis results in the release of biomolecules within cellular fragments (apoptotic bodies) or directly into circulation (through necrosis and spillage of cellular contents) and represents an end-stage fate of beta cells. MVB, multivesicular body. This figure is available as a downloadable slide