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

Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Progression

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in cancer progression by mediating communication between tumor cells and their microenvironment. One significant study demonstrated that ovarian tumor cells utilize exosome-mediated release of a long non-coding RNA, Tu-Stroma, to reduce the fitness of tumor microenvironment (TME) cells, thereby gaining a competitive advantage (ref: Madan doi.org/10.1038/s41587-024-02453-3/). This finding highlights the active role of cancer cells in manipulating their surroundings to promote growth. Additionally, research on colorectal cancer liver metastasis revealed that myCAF-derived exosomal PWAR6 alters glutamine availability and natural killer (NK) cell function, further emphasizing the importance of EVs in modulating immune responses within the TME (ref: Fang doi.org/10.1186/s13045-024-01643-5/). Furthermore, the identification of tumor-derived miR-9-5p-loaded EVs regulating cholesterol homeostasis in liver metastasis underscores the complex interplay between cancer metabolism and EVs (ref: Li doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54706-z/). Overall, these studies illustrate how EVs facilitate tumor progression through various mechanisms, including metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion. In addition to their roles in tumor growth, EVs are also being explored for their potential in diagnostics and therapeutics. A novel high-throughput platform for single-cell exosome profiling was developed, allowing for the analysis of exosome heterogeneity and functional characteristics at an unprecedented scale (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1002/adma.202411259/). This technological advancement could significantly enhance our understanding of cancer biology and improve patient stratification in clinical settings. Moreover, the investigation of large microvesicles in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer revealed that OLFM4, induced by viral infection, activates YAP signaling pathways that promote tumor progression (ref: Wen doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54850-6/). Collectively, these findings not only confirm the critical role of EVs in cancer progression but also highlight the need for further research into their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Extracellular Vesicles in Immune Modulation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for various immune-related disorders. One study focused on the design of RANK-expressing MSC-derived EVs, which were shown to maintain bone homeostasis and potentially counteract osteoporosis by modulating osteoclast activity (ref: Chang doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c12064/). This innovative approach highlights the potential of engineered EVs to restore balance in bone metabolism, which is crucial for treating conditions like osteoporosis. Additionally, engineered MSC-derived EVs have been shown to scavenge self-antigens, thereby modulating immune responses in psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition (ref: Zhou doi.org/10.1002/advs.202410067/). These findings underscore the versatility of MSC-derived EVs in therapeutic applications, particularly in immune modulation. Moreover, the role of EVs in neurological disorders has also been investigated, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Astrocyte-derived EVs carrying miRNA-382-5p were identified as potential biomarkers for TBI severity, as their levels were significantly elevated in both human patients and animal models (ref: Hu doi.org/10.1038/s12276-024-01355-3/). This study suggests that EVs may facilitate communication between astrocytes and neurons, influencing neuronal health post-injury. Furthermore, the use of exosomes to prevent hepatocyte ferroptosis through the delivery of miR-16-5p demonstrates their potential in protecting against liver injury (ref: Deng doi.org/10.1002/advs.202411380/). Collectively, these studies illustrate the multifaceted roles of EVs in immune modulation and their potential as therapeutic agents in various diseases.

Engineering and Applications of Extracellular Vesicles

The engineering of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has gained significant attention for enhancing their therapeutic potential and targeting capabilities. One innovative approach involves the development of biomimetic EVs based on composite bioactive ions, which have shown promise in treating ischemic bone diseases such as glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis (ref: Jiang doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c13028/). This study highlights the challenges faced in clinical applications of EVs, such as low yield and poor bioactivity, and presents a solution through multiengineered EV mimetics. Additionally, the construction of hybrid nanoparticles that combine EVs with anti-inflammatory liposomes has been explored for treating osteoarthritis, showcasing the potential of engineered EVs to integrate multiple therapeutic functions (ref: Kim doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c07992/). Furthermore, advancements in detection technologies for EVs have been made, such as the freeze-thaw-induced patterning method that significantly improves the detection limit of EVs for cancer identification (ref: Xie doi.org/10.1002/smll.202408871/). This method represents a significant leap in the ability to isolate and analyze EVs, which is crucial for early cancer diagnosis. The integration of artificial intelligence in the analysis of EVs also opens new avenues for research and clinical applications. Overall, these engineering advancements not only enhance the functional capabilities of EVs but also pave the way for their application in regenerative medicine and disease treatment.

Extracellular Vesicles in Metabolic Disorders

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as critical players in the regulation of metabolic disorders, particularly in conditions such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One study demonstrated that ginger-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (G-ELNs) significantly improved glucose and fatty acid metabolism while protecting pancreatic β-cells in diabetic mice (ref: Bajaj doi.org/10.1002/smll.202409501/). This finding highlights the therapeutic potential of plant-derived EVs in managing metabolic disorders. Additionally, research on macrophage signaling in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) revealed that Notch1 signaling modulates regulatory T cells, which are crucial for maintaining hepatic immune balance and preventing insulin resistance (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101242/). Moreover, the role of EVs in mediating the effects of exercise on metabolic health has been explored. A study identified muscle-derived EV-associated miR-29a-3p as a key factor in the anticancer effects of exercise against nonsmall-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), suggesting that exercise-induced EVs may also influence metabolic health (ref: Plaza-Florido doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.11.006/). Furthermore, the identification of EVs from steatotic hepatocytes as triggers for vascular calcification underscores the interconnectedness of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular health (ref: Zeng doi.org/10.1002/advs.202408660/). Collectively, these studies illustrate the multifaceted roles of EVs in metabolic regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets in metabolic disorders.

Extracellular Vesicles in Neurological Disorders

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in neurological disorders, particularly in mediating communication between glial cells and neurons. A pivotal study demonstrated that astrocyte-derived EVs carrying miRNA-382-5p serve as biomarkers for traumatic brain injury (TBI), with elevated levels observed in both human patients and animal models (ref: Hu doi.org/10.1038/s12276-024-01355-3/). This finding suggests that EVs may facilitate astrocyte-neuron communication and influence neuronal health following injury. Additionally, the role of EVs in promoting mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons through the delivery of specific miRNAs highlights their potential impact on neurodegenerative processes. Moreover, the investigation of EVs in the context of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) revealed that EVs from steatotic hepatocytes can trigger vascular calcification, indicating a link between metabolic disorders and neurological health (ref: Zeng doi.org/10.1002/advs.202408660/). This connection emphasizes the need for further research into the role of EVs in both metabolic and neurological contexts. Overall, these studies underscore the importance of EVs in mediating cellular communication in the nervous system and their potential as therapeutic targets in neurological disorders.

Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiovascular Health

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been implicated in various aspects of cardiovascular health, particularly in the context of vascular calcification and metabolic disorders. A study found that Bacteroides fragilis-derived EVs exacerbate vascular calcification in type 2 diabetes (T2D) by inducing M2 macrophage polarization, highlighting the role of gut microbiota-derived EVs in cardiovascular pathology (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1002/advs.202410495/). This finding suggests that EVs can influence cardiovascular health through immune modulation and inflammatory pathways. Additionally, research on hepatic steatosis demonstrated that EVs from steatotic hepatocytes can trigger osteochondrogenic transitions in vascular smooth muscle cells, further linking metabolic dysfunction to cardiovascular disease progression (ref: Zeng doi.org/10.1002/advs.202408660/). These studies emphasize the importance of understanding the mechanisms by which EVs contribute to cardiovascular health and disease, particularly in populations with metabolic disorders. Furthermore, advancements in EV detection technologies, such as the freeze-thaw-induced patterning method, enhance the ability to analyze EVs for early diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular conditions (ref: Xie doi.org/10.1002/smll.202408871/). Collectively, these findings highlight the multifaceted roles of EVs in cardiovascular health and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Extracellular Vesicles in Infectious Diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in infectious diseases, particularly in mediating host-pathogen interactions and immune responses. A study demonstrated the potential of a digital dual CRISPR-Cas assay for the concurrent detection of proteins and microRNAs at the single EV level, which could enhance disease profiling and monitoring in infectious contexts (ref: Xu doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c13557/). This innovative approach underscores the importance of EVs in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying infectious diseases and their potential as diagnostic tools. Moreover, the role of EVs in mediating the effects of exercise on immune responses has been explored, with findings indicating that muscle-derived EVs may influence immune modulation in the context of cancer (ref: Plaza-Florido doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2024.11.006/). Additionally, the investigation of EVs in the context of traumatic brain injury revealed their potential as biomarkers for injury severity, further emphasizing their relevance in both infectious and neurological disorders (ref: Hu doi.org/10.1038/s12276-024-01355-3/). Collectively, these studies highlight the multifaceted roles of EVs in infectious diseases and their potential as therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools.

Extracellular Vesicles in Regenerative Medicine

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown great promise in regenerative medicine, particularly in tissue repair and regeneration. One notable study focused on the development of biomimetic EVs based on composite bioactive ions for the treatment of ischemic bone diseases, addressing challenges such as low yield and poor bioactivity associated with natural EVs (ref: Jiang doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c13028/). This innovative approach highlights the potential of engineered EVs to enhance therapeutic efficacy in regenerative applications. Additionally, RANK-expressing MSC-derived EVs have been designed to maintain bone homeostasis, showcasing their potential in osteoporosis therapy (ref: Chang doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c12064/). Furthermore, advancements in single-cell exosome profiling technologies have enabled high-throughput analysis of EVs, allowing for a better understanding of their functional heterogeneity and potential applications in regenerative medicine (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1002/adma.202411259/). The identification of tumor-derived EVs regulating cholesterol homeostasis in liver metastasis also emphasizes the importance of EVs in inter-organ communication and their potential role in regenerative processes (ref: Li doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54706-z/). Collectively, these findings underscore the transformative potential of EVs in regenerative medicine and their applications in treating various diseases.

Key Highlights

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