Research on extracellular vesicles including exosomes, microvesicles, and their roles in intercellular communication and disease

Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Biology

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), have emerged as critical players in cancer biology, influencing tumor progression and metastasis. One study introduced SEVtras, an algorithm that utilizes droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing to identify sEV-containing droplets and estimate the sEV secretion activity (ESAI) of individual cells, highlighting the heterogeneity of sEVs and their role in cellular communication (ref: He doi.org/10.1038/s41592-023-02117-1/). Another study demonstrated that targeting sEV trafficking in breast cancer cells can normalize TGF-β signaling, thereby reducing metastasis and cancer aggressiveness (ref: Teixeira doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01711-1/). Furthermore, a liquid biopsy signature of circulating EV-derived RNAs was developed to predict chemotherapy responses in metastatic colorectal cancer patients, showcasing the potential of EVs as non-invasive biomarkers (ref: Yang doi.org/10.1186/s12943-023-01875-y/). The involvement of EVs in liver cancer was also explored, where significant circular RNAs in liver cancer stem cell exosomes were identified as mediators of malignant propagation, emphasizing the need for further research into their mechanisms (ref: Han doi.org/10.1186/s12943-023-01891-y/). Additionally, nasopharyngeal carcinoma-derived EVs were shown to induce regulatory dendritic cells, suggesting a role in immune modulation (ref: Lefebvre doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12390/). Overall, these studies underscore the multifaceted roles of EVs in cancer biology, from influencing tumor microenvironments to serving as potential biomarkers for treatment responses.

Extracellular Vesicles in Disease Mechanisms

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in various disease mechanisms has garnered significant attention, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions. For instance, neuronally derived EVs containing α-synuclein were identified as potential serum biomarkers for individuals at risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with a high accuracy in distinguishing between at-risk individuals and controls (ref: Yan doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4398/). In Alzheimer's disease, the proteomic analysis of CSF EVs revealed altered levels of cathepsin B, linking it to disease pathogenesis and highlighting the potential of EVs in understanding neurodegenerative processes (ref: Yuyama doi.org/10.1093/brain/). Moreover, the study of lysophagy demonstrated its protective role against the propagation of α-synuclein aggregation, suggesting that EVs may facilitate the spread of neurodegenerative pathology (ref: Kakuda doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312306120/). Additionally, the integration of proteogenomic data revealed CXCL10 as a mediator in IL-6 signaling related to atherosclerosis, indicating that EVs may play a role in cardiovascular diseases as well (ref: Prapiadou doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.064974/). Collectively, these findings illustrate the diverse roles of EVs in mediating disease mechanisms across various conditions, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

Therapeutic Applications of Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential, particularly in cancer and regenerative medicine. A notable advancement is the development of a biomanufacturing workflow for producing natural killer cell-derived EVs, which have shown promise as biotherapeutics due to their cytotoxic properties against cancer cells (ref: St-Denis-Bissonnette doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12387/). Additionally, a study explored the co-delivery of bioengineered exosomes and oxygen to treat critical limb ischemia in diabetic mice, demonstrating enhanced recruitment of endothelial and skeletal muscle cells, which is crucial for tissue regeneration (ref: Zhong doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c08088/). Furthermore, the engineering of cell-derived EVs for gene therapy has been investigated, showcasing their ability to deliver therapeutic cargo effectively (ref: Unknown doi.org/10.1038/s41551-023-01167-2/). The development of a genetically modified virus-like vesicle that enhances immune responses against tumors also highlights the innovative approaches being taken to harness EVs for therapeutic purposes (ref: Alvero doi.org/10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-23-0127/). These studies collectively underscore the versatility of EVs in therapeutic applications, paving the way for novel treatment strategies in various diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles in Immune Response

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in modulating immune responses, influencing both innate and adaptive immunity. One study demonstrated that the upregulation of NHE7 enhances the uptake of small EVs by metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cells, suggesting a mechanism by which cancer cells can manipulate immune responses (ref: Yao doi.org/10.1002/cac2.12515/). Additionally, the presence of a protein corona around EVs was shown to significantly enhance their uptake into human monocytes, indicating that the surrounding environment can influence EV-mediated immune modulation (ref: Dietz doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12399/). In the context of osteoarthritis, EVs derived from the infrapatellar fat pad were found to impair cartilage metabolism and induce senescence, highlighting their role in inflammatory processes (ref: Cao doi.org/10.1002/advs.202303614/). Moreover, the identification of selective SIK1/2 inhibitors that modulate innate immune activation presents a potential therapeutic avenue for suppressing inflammation (ref: Babbe doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2307086120/). These findings illustrate the complex interactions between EVs and the immune system, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets in inflammatory diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles in Neurological Disorders

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in neurological disorders, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Research has shown that neuronally derived EVs containing α-synuclein can serve as biomarkers for individuals at risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with high accuracy in distinguishing between at-risk individuals and controls (ref: Yan doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4398/). Additionally, the proteomic analysis of CSF EVs revealed significant alterations in proteins such as cathepsin B, linking them to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (ref: Yuyama doi.org/10.1093/brain/). Another study highlighted the role of EVs in mediating the propagation of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that targeting EV-mediated pathways could be a therapeutic strategy (ref: Tallon doi.org/10.1186/s40035-023-00383-9/). Furthermore, EVs derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma were shown to induce the emergence of regulatory dendritic cells, indicating their potential role in immune evasion in cancer (ref: Lefebvre doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12390/). These findings collectively underscore the importance of EVs in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Biomarkers and Diagnostics using Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as valuable biomarkers for diagnostics across various diseases, particularly in oncology and neurology. A study developed a liquid biopsy signature of circulating EV-derived RNAs that accurately predicts the response to first-line chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients, demonstrating the potential of EVs in guiding treatment decisions (ref: Yang doi.org/10.1186/s12943-023-01875-y/). Additionally, the uptake of EVs into immune cells was found to be enhanced by the protein corona, suggesting that the surrounding protein environment can influence EV-mediated cellular interactions (ref: Dietz doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12399/). In the context of liver cancer, significant circular RNAs in cancer stem cell exosomes were identified as mediators of malignant propagation, indicating their potential as therapeutic targets (ref: Han doi.org/10.1186/s12943-023-01891-y/). Furthermore, the identification of EV-associated cholesterol supporting macrophage regenerative functions in the brain highlights the role of EVs in neurological disorders (ref: Vanherle doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12394/). Collectively, these studies illustrate the potential of EVs as non-invasive biomarkers and their role in disease mechanisms, paving the way for innovative diagnostic approaches.

Extracellular Vesicles in Metabolic Processes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in metabolic processes, particularly in cancer and other metabolic disorders. A study introduced a metabolic tagging technology that allows for the installation of unique chemical tags onto EVs, enhancing their functionality and potential for therapeutic applications (ref: Bhatta doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43914-8/). Additionally, a heterogeneous MXene hybrid was developed for the isolation and metabolic profiling of exosomes, facilitating non-invasive liquid biopsy approaches for bladder cancer screening (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c08391/). The breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass in anaerobic digestion processes was also examined, revealing insights into the metabolic pathways involved in complex substrate degradation (ref: Heyer doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.121020/). These findings highlight the significance of EVs in mediating metabolic processes and their potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Extracellular Vesicles in Regenerative Medicine

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining traction in regenerative medicine due to their ability to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. A study established a large-scale biomanufacturing workflow for producing natural killer cell-derived EVs, which have shown promise as biotherapeutics for cancer immunotherapy (ref: St-Denis-Bissonnette doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12387/). Additionally, a biomimetic cardiac fibrosis-on-a-chip model was developed to evaluate mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome therapy, providing insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of stem cells in cardiac fibrosis (ref: Shang doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c09368/). The co-delivery of bioengineered exosomes and oxygen for treating critical limb ischemia in diabetic mice further illustrates the potential of EVs in enhancing regenerative outcomes (ref: Zhong doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c08088/). These studies collectively emphasize the versatility of EVs in regenerative medicine, highlighting their potential to improve therapeutic strategies for various diseases.

Key Highlights

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summarization. Please refer to the cited articles before making any clinical or scientific decisions.