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

Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Biology

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in cancer biology, particularly in the context of tumor progression and metastasis. A study demonstrated that exosomal miR-302b derived from human embryonic stem cells can rejuvenate aging mice by reversing the proliferative arrest of senescent cells, highlighting the potential of EVs in regenerative medicine (ref: Bi doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.11.013/). In glioblastoma, it was found that only tumor-derived large EVs (L-EVs), not those from immune cells, significantly drive tumor invasiveness, particularly in mesenchymal subtype cells, indicating a unique autocrine mechanism that promotes migration (ref: Tamborini doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Furthermore, circPRKD3-loaded exosomes were shown to inhibit STAT3 signaling, leading to tumor growth inhibition and remodeling of the glioblastoma microenvironment, emphasizing the complex interplay between EVs and tumor biology (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). Additionally, the EXONERATE study highlighted the prognostic value of exosome-based liquid biopsies in predicting treatment responses in metastatic colorectal cancer, where high levels of specific exosomal markers correlated with poorer progression-free survival outcomes (ref: Xu doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-24-1934/). Lastly, PSMA+ EVs were identified as biomarkers for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in oligorecurrent prostate cancer, suggesting their potential utility in clinical decision-making (ref: Andrews doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-24-3027/).

Extracellular Vesicles in Neurological Disorders

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in neurological disorders is gaining attention, particularly in the context of mRNA delivery and microglial function. A recent study demonstrated that engineering EVs for mRNA delivery can effectively regulate microglial function and alleviate depressive-like behaviors, showcasing the therapeutic potential of EVs in treating major depressive disorder (ref: Ge doi.org/10.1002/adma.202418872/). This innovative approach highlights the importance of EVs in facilitating targeted therapy for neurological conditions. Additionally, the involvement of presenilins in the secretion of small EVs has been explored, revealing that PSEN-deficient cells show impaired responses to stimuli promoting EV secretion, which could have implications for neurodegenerative diseases where autophagy and endocytic pathways are disrupted (ref: Lauritzen doi.org/10.1002/jev2.70019/). The intersection of EV biology and chronic inflammation, particularly in atherosclerosis, further underscores the multifaceted roles of EVs in both neurological and cardiovascular health (ref: Asare doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.01.003/).

Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiovascular Health

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cardiovascular health, particularly in inflammation and disease progression. A study identified a cis-regulatory element at histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, demonstrating that HDAC9 mediates deacetylation of NLRP3, leading to inflammasome activation and chronic inflammation (ref: Asare doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.01.003/). This finding emphasizes the potential of targeting EV-mediated pathways in managing cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, ergothioneine was shown to enhance healthspan in aged animals by improving metabolic resilience and vascularization, suggesting that dietary interventions could modulate EV activity and influence cardiovascular health (ref: Petrovic doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.12.008/). Furthermore, the exploration of piezocatalysts for generating hydroxyl radicals under ambient conditions presents novel avenues for environmental remediation and energy conversion, indirectly linking EVs to broader health implications (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1002/adma.202418554/).

Extracellular Vesicles in Metabolic Disorders

In the realm of metabolic disorders, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as critical players in disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. A pivotal study highlighted the role of a cis-regulatory element at histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) in regulating chronic inflammation associated with atherosclerosis, which is a significant risk factor for metabolic diseases (ref: Asare doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.01.003/). This research underscores the importance of understanding EV-mediated signaling in the context of metabolic health. Additionally, ergothioneine has been shown to improve healthspan in aged animals, enhancing metabolic resilience and physical performance, which could be linked to the modulation of EVs in metabolic pathways (ref: Petrovic doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.12.008/). These findings suggest that targeting EVs could offer new strategies for managing metabolic disorders and improving overall health outcomes.

Extracellular Vesicles in Immune Response

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are integral to the immune response, particularly in the context of chronic inflammation and disease. A significant study identified a cis-regulatory element at histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, revealing its role in regulating inflammasome activation and chronic inflammation (ref: Asare doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.01.003/). This highlights the potential of EVs in mediating immune responses and their implications in various diseases. The understanding of EVs in immune modulation is crucial for developing targeted therapies aimed at enhancing immune function or mitigating excessive inflammatory responses.

Extracellular Vesicles in Regenerative Medicine

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are gaining traction in regenerative medicine due to their ability to facilitate cell communication and influence tissue repair processes. The study of exosomal miR-302b demonstrated its potential to rejuvenate aging cells, suggesting that EVs can be harnessed for therapeutic interventions aimed at reversing cellular senescence (ref: Bi doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.11.013/). This finding underscores the regenerative potential of EVs in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, the role of EVs in modulating the tumor microenvironment, as seen with circPRKD3-loaded exosomes, indicates their capacity to influence both regenerative and pathological processes (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). The integration of EVs into regenerative medicine strategies could pave the way for innovative treatments for age-related and degenerative diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles in Infectious Diseases

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in infectious diseases is an emerging area of research, particularly in understanding how they can modulate immune responses. A study focusing on the regulation of chronic inflammation through histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) revealed its significant impact on inflammasome activation, which is crucial in the context of infectious diseases (ref: Asare doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.01.003/). This highlights the potential of targeting EV-mediated pathways to enhance immune responses against infections. Understanding the dynamics of EVs in infectious contexts could lead to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving immune function and combating infectious diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles in Diagnostic Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their potential in diagnostic applications, particularly in cancer and other diseases. The EXONERATE study demonstrated that exosome-based liquid biopsies could predict treatment responses in metastatic colorectal cancer, with specific exosomal markers correlating with progression-free survival outcomes (ref: Xu doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-24-1934/). This finding underscores the utility of EVs as non-invasive biomarkers for disease monitoring and treatment efficacy. Additionally, the exploration of EVs in various disease contexts, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, suggests that they could serve as valuable diagnostic tools, providing insights into disease mechanisms and patient prognosis.

Key Highlights

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