Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as critical mediators in cancer biology, influencing tumor progression and metastasis. One study demonstrated that EV-packaged circTLCD4-RWDD3 from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells promotes lymphatic metastasis by activating PROX1 transcription in lymphatic endothelial cells, with in vivo experiments showing that blocking this pathway significantly inhibited metastasis (ref: Diao doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01685-0/). Another investigation revealed that circBIRC6, also packaged in EVs from cancer-associated fibroblasts, enhances oxaliplatin resistance in pancreatic cancer through modulation of DNA repair mechanisms (ref: Zheng doi.org/10.1186/s13046-023-02854-3/). Additionally, skeletal muscle-derived EVs were found to transport glycolytic enzymes that mediate crosstalk between muscle and bone, highlighting the role of EVs in metabolic interactions that can influence cancer progression (ref: Ma doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.10.013/). These findings underscore the diverse roles of EVs in cancer biology, from promoting metastasis to mediating drug resistance, suggesting that targeting EV-mediated pathways could be a promising therapeutic strategy. Moreover, the combination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and PD-L1-positive small EVs was explored as a liquid biopsy approach for prognostic assessment in metastatic NSCLC patients, indicating that these biomarkers could provide valuable insights into patient outcomes (ref: Eslami-S doi.org/10.1038/s41416-023-02491-9/). The study of EVs in cancer also revealed potential contradictions, such as the varying effects of different EV cargo on tumor behavior, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify these complex interactions. Overall, the studies collectively highlight the multifaceted roles of EVs in cancer biology, suggesting that they could serve as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in immune modulation, influencing various immune responses and interactions. One study highlighted how glycosphingolipids (GSLs) from EVs secreted by human embryonic stem cells can prime macrophages, enhancing immune tolerance during embryo implantation (ref: Lo doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2023.09.012/). This finding suggests that EVs can facilitate critical developmental processes by modulating immune responses, which is essential for successful embryo-maternal interactions. Additionally, the proteomic analysis of EVs derived from macrophages infected with the periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythia revealed significant inflammatory responses, providing insights into how pathogens can manipulate EVs to influence host immune responses (ref: Lim doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12381/). Furthermore, the study of transcription factor FOXM1 demonstrated its role in directing chromatin DNA to EVs, indicating that EVs can serve as vehicles for genetic material transfer, potentially impacting immune cell function and communication (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1080/15548627.2023.2284523/). These findings collectively underscore the importance of EVs in shaping immune responses, whether through enhancing tolerance in developmental contexts or mediating inflammatory responses during infections. The interplay between EVs and immune modulation presents a promising area for therapeutic exploration, particularly in conditions where immune regulation is critical.

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in neurological disorders has garnered significant attention, particularly regarding their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. One study found that miRNA cargo in circulating vesicles from neurons is altered in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting that profiling these EVs could aid in understanding disease severity and progression (ref: Barnett doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi4386/). This highlights the potential of neuron-derived EVs as non-invasive biomarkers for psychiatric conditions, offering a novel approach to diagnosis and monitoring. In the context of Alzheimer's disease, research indicated that Galectin-3 exacerbates microglial activation and tau transmission, linking EVs to neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to disease pathology (ref: Siew doi.org/10.1172/JCI165523/). Additionally, neuronal activity was shown to promote glioma progression through the secretion of exosomes that induce a proneural-to-mesenchymal transition in glioma stem cells, suggesting that EVs can facilitate tumor growth in the brain (ref: Guo doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-0609/). Together, these studies illustrate the dual role of EVs in both neurodegenerative and oncological contexts, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in neurological disorders.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their role in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, acting as mediators of intercellular communication and disease progression. One study demonstrated that exosomes derived from metabolically impaired liver in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exacerbate alveolar bone loss by inducing pyroptosis in periodontal ligament cells, highlighting the systemic effects of metabolic dysfunction on oral health (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.022/). This finding underscores the importance of understanding how EVs contribute to the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases and their complications. Another study investigated the role of hypoxia-induced endothelial cell-derived exosomes in promoting diabetic wound healing, revealing that these EVs enhance endothelial cell function and facilitate M2 macrophage polarization, which is crucial for tissue repair (ref: Cheng doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.020/). Additionally, the exploration of platelet and mitochondrial RNA in plasma-derived EVs from women with preeclampsia showed decreased expression levels, suggesting potential biomarkers for this condition (ref: Lekva doi.org/10.1186/s12916-023-03178-x/). Collectively, these studies highlight the multifaceted roles of EVs in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that they could serve as valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets in managing these conditions.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining traction in regenerative medicine due to their ability to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. One study explored the use of Schwann cell-derived exosomes combined with a methylprednisolone composite patch for spinal cord injury repair, demonstrating improved biocompatibility and enhanced macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, which is associated with tissue healing (ref: Zhu doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c08046/). This approach highlights the potential of EVs in promoting regeneration through modulation of the immune response. Additionally, research on multifunctional injectable hydrogel microparticles loaded with exosomes from bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) revealed enhanced bone regeneration capabilities by regulating osteogenesis and angiogenesis (ref: Pan doi.org/10.1002/smll.202306721/). The study demonstrated that exosomal miR-29a overexpression could significantly enhance these regenerative processes, suggesting a novel strategy for improving bone healing. Furthermore, the investigation of EV-packaged circBIRC6 from cancer-associated fibroblasts indicated its role in inducing chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer, which could have implications for regenerative strategies in cancer therapy (ref: Zheng doi.org/10.1186/s13046-023-02854-3/). Overall, these findings underscore the potential of EVs in regenerative medicine, offering new avenues for therapeutic development.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their role in infectious diseases, serving as vehicles for pathogen transmission and immune modulation. A notable study revealed that African swine fever virus (ASFV) exploits apoptotic bodies for cell-to-cell transmission, highlighting a novel mechanism by which viruses can spread within host tissues (ref: Gao doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309506120/). This finding underscores the importance of understanding EV dynamics in the context of viral infections and their implications for disease control. In addition, the engineering of high-affinity dual-targeting cellular nanovesicles for cancer immunotherapy demonstrates the potential of EVs in enhancing therapeutic efficacy against tumors by overcoming limitations associated with traditional antibody-based approaches (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12379/). This innovative strategy could pave the way for improved treatment modalities in infectious diseases, particularly those involving immune evasion by pathogens. Collectively, these studies illustrate the multifaceted roles of EVs in infectious diseases, emphasizing their potential as both therapeutic targets and tools for understanding pathogen biology.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial players in developmental biology, facilitating communication between cells during embryogenesis and tissue development. One study focused on the role of EVs in embryo-maternal interactions, revealing that glycosphingolipids from EVs secreted by human embryonic stem cells can prime macrophages to enhance immune tolerance during implantation (ref: Lo doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2023.09.012/). This finding highlights the importance of EVs in modulating the maternal immune response to support successful embryo development. Moreover, the characterization of EVs derived from various cell types during development has provided insights into their functional roles, including the transfer of genetic material and signaling molecules that influence cell fate decisions. The ability of EVs to carry specific cargo, such as miRNAs and proteins, underscores their potential as therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine and developmental disorders. Overall, the studies in this theme emphasize the significance of EVs in developmental processes, suggesting that they could serve as valuable tools for understanding and manipulating developmental pathways.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as promising biomarkers for diagnostic applications across various diseases. Their ability to encapsulate and transport molecular signatures reflective of their cell of origin makes them valuable for non-invasive diagnostics. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of profiling EVs for early detection and monitoring of diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. For instance, the characterization of miRNA profiles in neuron-derived EVs has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for schizophrenia, suggesting that these vesicles could provide insights into disease severity and progression (ref: Barnett doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi4386/). Additionally, the exploration of EVs in the context of infectious diseases has revealed their utility in understanding pathogen-host interactions and immune responses. The ability of EVs to carry specific proteins and nucleic acids allows for the development of diagnostic tools that can detect disease states or predict outcomes. Overall, the studies in this theme underscore the potential of EVs as diagnostic tools, paving the way for innovative approaches in disease detection and monitoring.