Tumour microvesicles contain retrotransposon elements and amplified oncogene sequences

Mechanism of Exosomal LncRNA PART1 in Esophageal Cancer Angiogenesis by Targeting miR-302a-3p/CDC25A Axis

OBJECTIVE

LncRNA PART1 has been confirmed related to multiple cancer bioactivities mediated with vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Nevertheless, the role of LncRNA PART1 in esophageal cancer induced angiogenesis remains unclear. The present work focused on assessing LncRNA PART1 effects on esophageal cancer-induced angiogenesis and exploring possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Western blot and immunofluorescence were conducted for identifying EC9706 exosomes. MiR-302a-3p and LncRNA PART1 levels were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU, wound healing, transwell, and tubule information were adopted for detecting human umbilical vein endothelial cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and tubule information, respectively. Starbase software and dual-luciferase reporter were conducted for predicting and judging the expression interrelation of LncRNA PART1 and its potential target-miR-302a-3p. The same methods were carried out for verifying the inhibiting influences of miR-302a-3p upregulation and its potential target-cell division cycle 25 A.

RESULTS

LncRNA PART1 levels were upregulated and related to the overall survival of patients in esophageal cancer. EC9706-Exos accelerated human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tubule formation via LncRNA PART1. LncRNA PART1 served as a sponge of miR-302a-3p, then miR-302a-3p targeted cell division cycle 25 A, and EC9706-Exos accelerated human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis via LncRNA PART1/ miR-302a-3p/cell division cycle 25 A axis.

CONCLUSION

EC9706-Exos accelerates human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis via LncRNA PART1/miR-302a-3p/ cell division cycle 25 A axis, indicating EC9706-Exos may act as a promoter of angiogenesis. Our research will contribute to clarify the mechanism of tumor angiogenesis.

Extracellular vesicles: A dive into their role in the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass a diverse set of membrane-derived particles released from cells and are found in numerous biological matrices and the extracellular space. Specific classes of EVs include apoptotic bodies, exosomes, and microvesicles, which vary in their size, origin, membrane protein expression, and interior cargo. EVs provide a mechanism for shuttling cargo between cells, which can influence cell physiology by transporting proteins, DNA, and RNA. EVs are an abundant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are proposed to drive tumor growth and progression by communicating between fibroblasts, macrophages, and tumor cells in the TME. The cargo, source, and type of EV influences the pro- or anti-tumoral role of these molecules. Therefore, robust EV isolation and characterization techniques are required to ensure accurate elucidation of their association with disease. Here, we summarize different EV subclasses, methods for EV isolation and characterization, and a selection of current clinical trials studying EVs. We also review key studies exploring the role and impact of EVs in the TME, including how EVs mediate intercellular communication, drive cancer progression, and remodel the TME.

Current State of Immunotherapy and Mechanisms of Immune Evasion in Ewing Sarcoma and Osteosarcoma

We argue here that in many ways, Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a unique tumor entity and yet, it shares many commonalities with other immunologically cold solid malignancies. From the historical perspective, EwS, osteosarcoma (OS) and other bone and soft-tissue sarcomas were the first types of tumors treated with the immunotherapy approach: more than 100 years ago American surgeon William B. Coley injected his patients with a mixture of heat-inactivated bacteria, achieving survival rates apparently higher than with surgery alone. In contrast to OS which exhibits recurrent somatic copy-number alterations, EwS possesses one of the lowest mutation rates among cancers, being driven by a single oncogenic fusion protein, most frequently EWS-FLI1. In spite these differences, both EwS and OS are allied with immune tolerance and low immunogenicity. We discuss here the potential mechanisms of immune escape in these tumors, including low representation of tumor-specific antigens, low expression levels of MHC-I antigen-presenting molecules, accumulation of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages and myeloid proinflammatory cells, and release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) which are capable of reprogramming host cells in the tumor microenvironment and systemic circulation. We also discuss the vulnerabilities of EwS and OS and potential novel strategies for their targeting.

Macrophages Release Extracellular Vesicles of Different Properties and Composition Following Exposure to Nanoparticles

Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound carriers with complex cargoes, which play a major role in intercellular communication, for instance, in the context of the immune response. Macrophages are known to release extracellular vesicles in response to different stimuli, and changes in their size, number, and composition may provide important insights into the responses induced. Macrophages are also known to be highly efficient in clearing nanoparticles, when in contact with them, and in triggering the immune system. However, little is known about how the nature and composition of the vesicles released by these cells may vary upon nanoparticle exposure. In order to study this, in this work, alveolar-like macrophages were exposed to a panel of nanoparticles with varying surface and composition, including amino-modified and carboxylated polystyrene and plain silica. We previously showed that these nanoparticles induced very different responses in these cells. Here, experimental conditions were carefully tuned in order to separate the extracellular vesicles released by the macrophages several hours after exposure to sub-toxic concentrations of the same nanoparticles. After separation, different methods, including high-sensitivity flow cytometry, TEM imaging, Western blotting, and nanoparticle tracking analysis, were combined in order to characterize the extracellular vesicles. Finally, proteomics was used to determine their composition and how it varied upon exposure to the different nanoparticles. Our results show that depending on the nanoparticles' properties. The macrophages produced extracellular vesicles of varying number, size, and protein composition. This indicates that macrophages release specific signals in response to nanoparticles and overall suggests that extracellular vesicles can reflect subtle responses to nanoparticles and nanoparticle impact on intercellular communication.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles: Recent advancements and current challenges on their use for biomedical applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a diverse class of lipid bilayer membrane vesicles released by both animal and plant cells. These ubiquitous vesicles are involved in intercellular communication and transport of various biological cargos, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In recent years, interest in plant-derived EVs has increased tremendously, as they serve as a scalable and sustainable alternative to EVs derived from mammalian sources. In vitro and in vivo findings have demonstrated that these plant-derived vesicles (PDVs) possess intrinsic therapeutic activities that can potentially treat diseases and improve human health. In addition, PDVs can also act as efficient and biocompatible drug carriers. While preclinical studies have shown promising results, there are still several challenges and knowledge gaps that have to be addressed for the successful translation of PDVs into clinical applications, especially in view of the lack of standardised protocols for material handling and PDV isolation from various plant sources. This review provides the readers with a quick overview of the current understanding and research on PDVs, critically analysing the current challenges and highlighting the immense potential of PDVs as a novel class of therapeutics to treat human diseases. It is expected that this work will guide scientists to address the knowledge gaps currently associated with PDVs and promote new advances in plant-based therapeutic solutions.

Role of extracellular vesicles in cancer-specific interactions between tumour cells and the vasculature

Cancer progression impacts and exploits the vascular system in several highly consequential ways. Among different types of vascular cells, blood cells and mediators that are engaged in these processes, endothelial cells are at the centre of the underlying circuitry, as crucial constituents of angiogenesis, angiocrine stimulation, non-angiogenic vascular growth, interactions with the coagulation system and other responses. Tumour-vascular interactions involve soluble factors, extracellular matrix molecules, cell-cell contacts, as well as extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying assemblies of molecular effectors. Oncogenic mutations and transforming changes in the cancer cell genome, epigenome and signalling circuitry exert important and often cancer-specific influences upon pathways of tumour-vascular interactions, including the biogenesis, content, and biological activity of EVs and responses of cancer cells to them. Notably, EVs may carry and transfer bioactive, oncogenic macromolecules (oncoproteins, RNA, DNA) between tumour and vascular cells and thereby elicit unique functional changes and forms of vascular growth and remodeling. Cancer EVs influence the state of the vasculature both locally and systemically, as exemplified by cancer-associated thrombosis. EV-mediated communication pathways represent attractive targets for therapies aiming at modulation of the tumour-vascular interface (beyond angiogenesis) and could also be exploited for diagnostic purposes in cancer.

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Activation, p53, and Autophagy Inhibition Characterize the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike Protein Induced Neurotoxicity

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and prions use common pathogenic pathways to induce toxicity in neurons. Infectious prions rapidly activate the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins rapidly activate both the p38 MAPK and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways through toll-like receptor signaling, indicating the potential for similar neurotoxicity, causing prion and prion-like disease. In this review, we analyze the roles of autophagy inhibition, molecular mimicry, elevated intracellular p53 levels and reduced Wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1) and dual-specificity phosphatase (DUSP) expression in neurons in the disease process. The pathways induced by the spike protein via toll-like receptor activation induce both the upregulation of PrP^C (the normal isoform of the prion protein, PrP) and the expression of β amyloid. Through the spike-protein-dependent elevation of p53 levels via β amyloid metabolism, increased PrP^C expression can lead to PrP misfolding and impaired autophagy, generating prion disease. We conclude that, according to the age of the spike protein-exposed patient and the state of their cellular autophagy activity, excess sustained activity of p53 in neurons may be a catalytic factor in neurodegeneration. An autoimmune reaction via molecular mimicry likely also contributes to neurological symptoms. Overall results suggest that neurodegeneration is in part due to the intensity and duration of spike protein exposure, patient advanced age, cellular autophagy activity, and activation, function and regulation of p53. Finally, the neurologically damaging effects can be cumulatively spike-protein dependent, whether exposure is by natural infection or, more substantially, by repeated mRNA vaccination.

Extracellular vesicles biogenesis, isolation, manipulation and genetic engineering for potential in vitro and in vivo therapeutics: An overview

The main goals of medicine consist of early detection and effective treatment of different diseases. In this regard, the rise of exosomes as carriers of natural biomarkers has recently attracted a lot of attention and managed to shed more light on the future of early disease diagnosis methods. Here, exosome biogenesis, its role as a biomarker in metabolic disorders, and recent advances in state-of-art technologies for exosome detection and isolation will be reviewed along with future research directions and challenges regarding the manipulation and genetic engineering of exosomes for potential in vitro and in vivo disease diagnosis approaches.

Extracellular vesicles in cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including a variety of membrane-enclosed nanosized particles carrying cell-derived cargo, mediate a major type of intercellular communication in physiological and pathological processes. Both cancer and non-cancer cells secrete EVs, which can travel to and influence various types of cells at the primary tumor site as well as in distant organs. Tumor-derived EVs contribute to cancer cell plasticity and resistance to therapy, adaptation of tumor microenvironment, local and systemic vascular remodeling, immunomodulation, and establishment of pre-metastatic niches. Therefore, targeting the production, uptake, and function of tumor-derived EVs has emerged as a new strategy for stand-alone or combinational therapy of cancer. On the other hand, as EV cargo partially reflects the genetic makeup and phenotypic properties of the secreting cell, EV-based biomarkers that can be detected in biofluids are being developed for cancer diagnosis and for predicting and monitoring tumor response to therapy. Meanwhile, EVs from presumably safe sources are being developed as delivery vehicles for anticancer therapeutic agents and as anticancer vaccines. Numerous reviews have discussed the biogenesis and characteristics of EVs and their functions in cancer. Here, I highlight recent advancements in translation of EV research outcome towards improved care of cancer, including developments of non-invasive EV-based biomarkers and therapeutic agents targeting tumor-derived EVs as well as engineering of therapeutic EVs.

Blood plasma derived extracellular vesicles (BEVs): particle purification liquid chromatography (PPLC) and proteomic analysis reveals BEVs as a potential minimally invasive tool for predicting response to breast cancer treatment

PURPOSE

Circulating blood plasma derived extracellular vesicles (BEVs) containing proteins hold promise for their use as minimally invasive biomarkers for predicting response to cancer therapy. The main goal of this study was to establish the efficiency and utility of the particle purification liquid chromatography (PPLC) BEV isolation method and evaluate the role of BEVs in predicting breast cancer (BC) patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

METHODS

PPLC isolation was used to separate BEVs from non-EV contaminants and characterize BEVs from 17 BC patients scheduled to receive NAC. Using LC-MS/MS, we compared the proteome of PPLC-isolated BEVs from patients (n = 7) that achieved a pathological complete response (pCR) after NAC (responders [R]) to patients (n = 10) who did not achieve pCR (non-responders [NR]). Luminal MCF7 and basaloid MDA-MB-231 BC cells were treated with isolated BEVs and evaluated for metabolic activity by MTT assay.

RESULTS

NR had elevated BEV concentrations and negative zeta potential (ζ-potential) prior to receipt of NAC. Eight proteins were enriched in BEVs of NR. GP1BA (CD42b), PECAM-1 (CD31), CAPN1, HSPB1 (HSP27), and ANXA5 were validated using western blot. MTT assay revealed BEVs from R and NR patients increased metabolic activity of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 BC cells and the magnitude was highest in MCF7s treated with NR BEVs.

CONCLUSION

PPLC-based EV isolation provides a preanalytical separation process for BEVs devoid of most contaminants. Our findings suggest that PPLC-isolated BEVs and the five associated proteins may be established as predictors of chemoresistance, and thus serve to identify NR to spare them the toxic effects of NAC.

CircRNAs in Tumor Radioresistance

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding RNAs, which are derived from host genes that are present in several species and can be involved in the progression of various diseases. circRNAs’ leading role is to act as RNA sponges. In recent years, the other roles of circRNAs have been discovered, such as regulating transcription and translation, regulating host genes, and even being translated into proteins. As some tumor cells are no longer radiosensitive, tumor radioresistance has since become a challenge in treating tumors. In recent years, circRNAs are differentially expressed in tumor cells and can be used as biological markers of tumors. In addition, circRNAs can regulate the radiosensitivity of tumors. Here, we list the mechanisms of circRNAs in glioma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer; further, these studies also provide new ideas for the purposes of eliminating radioresistance in tumors.

Demystifying extrachromosomal DNA circles: Categories, biogenesis, and cancer therapeutics

Since the advent of sequencing technologies in the 1990s, researchers have focused on the association between aberrations in chromosomal DNA and disease. However, not all forms of the DNA are linear and chromosomal. Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are double-stranded, closed-circled DNA constructs free from the chromosome that reside in the nuclei. Although widely overlooked, the eccDNAs have recently gained attention for their potential roles in physiological response, intratumoral heterogeneity and cancer therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the history, classifications, biogenesis, and highlight recent progresses on the emerging topic of eccDNAs and comment on their potential application as biomarkers in clinical settings.

Extracellular vesicle isolation, purification and evaluation in cancer diagnosis

Strategies for non-invasive biomarker discovery in early detection of cancer are an urgent need. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have generated increasing attention from the scientific community and are under intensive investigations due to their unique biological profiles and their non-invasive nature. EVs are membrane-enclosed vesicles with variable sizes and function. Such vesicles are actively secreted from multiple cell types and are considered as key vehicles for inter-cellular communications and signalling. The stability and potential to easily cross biological barriers enable EVs for exerting durable effects on target cells. These along with easy access to such vesicles, the consistent secretion from tumour during all stages of tumorigenesis and their content providing a reservoir of molecules as well as mirroring the identity of the cell of origin are virtues that have made EVs appealing to be assessed in liquid biopsy approaches and for using as a promising resource of biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and therapy and monitoring targeted cancer therapy. Early detection of EVs will guide time-scheduled personalised therapy. Surveying reliable and sensitive methods for rapid isolation of EVs from biofluids, the purity of isolated vesicles and their molecular profiling and marker specification for clinical translation in patients with cancer are issues in the area and the hot topics of many recent studies. Here, the focus is over methods for EV isolation and stratification for digging more information about liquid biopsy-based diagnosis. Extending knowledge regarding EV-based strategies is a key to validate independent patient follow-up for cancer diagnosis at early stages and inspecting the efficacy of therapeutics.

Endogenous Retroviral Elements Generate Pathologic Neutrophils in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Rationale: The role of neutrophils and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension is unclear. Objectives: To relate functional abnormalities in pulmonary arterial hypertension neutrophils and their EVs to mechanisms uncovered by proteomic and transcriptomic profiling. Methods: Production of elastase, release of extracellular traps, adhesion, and migration were assessed in neutrophils from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and control subjects. Proteomic analyses were applied to explain functional perturbations, and transcriptomic data were used to find underlying mechanisms. CD66b-specific neutrophil EVs were isolated from plasma of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, and we determined whether they produce pulmonary hypertension in mice. Measurements and Main Results: Neutrophils from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension produce and release increased neutrophil elastase, associated with enhanced extracellular traps. They exhibit reduced migration and increased adhesion attributed to elevated β1-integrin and vinculin identified by proteomic analysis and previously linked to an antiviral response. This was substantiated by a transcriptomic IFN signature that we related to an increase in human endogenous retrovirus K envelope protein. Transfection of human endogenous retrovirus K envelope in a neutrophil cell line (HL-60) increases neutrophil elastase and IFN genes, whereas vinculin is increased by human endogenous retrovirus K deoxyuridine triphosphate diphosphatase that is elevated in patient plasma. Neutrophil EVs from patient plasma contain increased neutrophil elastase and human endogenous retrovirus K envelope and induce pulmonary hypertension in mice, mitigated by elafin, an elastase inhibitor. Conclusions: Elevated human endogenous retroviral elements and elastase link a neutrophil innate immune response to pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Extruded small extracellular vesicles: splinters of circulating tumour cells may promote cancer metastasis?

We speculate ruptured circulating tumour cells (CTC) in capillaries could release a large number of small extracellular vesicle-like vesicles, namely mechanically extruded sEV (sEVme), which can encapsulate chromosomal DNA fragments. These sEVme have similar physicochemical properties compared to small extracellular vesicles spontaneously secreted by living cells (sEVss), and thus sEVme and sEVss cannot be effectively distinguished based on their size or membrane protein markers. Meanwhile, these sEVme derived from CTC inherit oncogenic payloads, deliver cargo through the bloodstream to recipient cells, and thus may promote cancer metastasis. The validation of this speculation could facilitate our understanding of EV biogenesis and cancer pathology. The potential finding will also provide a theoretical foundation for burgeoning liquid biopsy using DNA fragments derived from harvested sEV.

EV-ADD, a database for EV-associated DNA in human liquid biopsy samples

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in cellular communication both in physiological conditions and in pathologies such as cancer. Emerging evidence has shown that EVs are active carriers of molecular cargo (e.g. protein and nucleic acids) and a powerful source of biomarkers and targets. While recent studies on EV‐associated DNA (EV‐DNA) in human biofluids have generated a large amount of data, there is currently no database that catalogues information on EV‐DNA. To fill this gap, we have manually curated a database of EV‐DNA data derived from human biofluids (liquid biopsy) and in‐vitro studies, called the Extracellular Vesicle‐Associated DNA Database (EV‐ADD). This database contains validated experimental details and data extracted from peer‐reviewed published literature. It can be easily queried to search for EV isolation methods and characterization, EV‐DNA isolation techniques, quality validation, DNA fragment size, volume of starting material, gene names and disease context. Currently, our database contains samples representing 23 diseases, with 13 different types of EV isolation techniques applied on eight different human biofluids (e.g. blood, saliva). In addition, EV‐ADD encompasses EV‐DNA data both representing the whole genome and specifically including oncogenes, such as KRAS, EGFR, BRAF, MYC, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). An EV‐ADD data metric system was also integrated to assign a compliancy score to the MISEV guidelines based on experimental parameters reported in each study. While currently available databases document the presence of proteins, lipids, RNA and metabolites in EVs (e.g. Vesiclepedia, ExoCarta, ExoBCD, EVpedia, and EV‐TRACK), to the best of our knowledge, EV‐ADD is the first of its kind to compile all available EV‐DNA datasets derived from human biofluid samples. We believe that this database provides an important reference resource on EV‐DNA‐based liquid biopsy research, serving as a learning tool and to showcase the latest developments in the EV‐DNA field. EV‐ADD will be updated yearly as newly published EV‐DNA data becomes available and it is freely available at www.evdnadatabase.com.

Extracellular vesicles and particles impact the systemic landscape of cancer

Intercellular cross talk between cancer cells and stromal and immune cells is essential for tumor progression and metastasis. Extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) are a heterogeneous class of secreted messengers that carry bioactive molecules and that have been shown to be crucial for this cell-cell communication. Here, we highlight the multifaceted roles of EVPs in cancer. Functionally, transfer of EVP cargo between cells influences tumor cell growth and invasion, alters immune cell composition and function, and contributes to stromal cell activation. These EVP-mediated changes impact local tumor progression, foster cultivation of pre-metastatic niches at distant organ-specific sites, and mediate systemic effects of cancer. Furthermore, we discuss how exploiting the highly selective enrichment of molecules within EVPs has profound implications for advancing diagnostic and prognostic biomarker development and for improving therapy delivery in cancer patients. Altogether, these investigations into the role of EVPs in cancer have led to discoveries that hold great promise for improving cancer patient care and outcome.

Endometrial Cancer-Adjacent Tissues Express Higher Levels of Cancer-Promoting Genes than the Matched Tumors

Molecular alterations in tumor-adjacent tissues have recently been recognized in some types of cancer. This phenomenon has not been studied in endometrial cancer. We aimed to analyze the expression of genes associated with cancer progression and metabolism in primary endometrial cancer samples and the matched tumor-adjacent tissues and in the samples of endometria from cancer-free patients with uterine leiomyomas. Paired samples of tumor-adjacent tissues and primary tumors from 49 patients with endometrial cancer (EC), samples of endometrium from 25 patients with leiomyomas of the uterus, and 4 endometrial cancer cell lines were examined by the RT-qPCR, for MYC, NR5A2, CXCR2, HMGA2, LIN28A, OCT4A, OCT4B, OCT4B1, TWIST1, STK11, SNAI1, and miR-205-5p expression. The expression levels of MYC, NR5A2, SNAI1, TWIST1, and STK11 were significantly higher in tumor-adjacent tissues than in the matched EC samples, and this difference was not influenced by the content of cancer cells in cancer-adjacent tissues. The expression of MYC, NR5A2, and SNAI1 was also higher in EC-adjacent tissues than in samples from cancer-free patients. In addition, the expression of MYC and CXCR2 in the tumor related to non-endometrioid adenocarcinoma and reduced the risk of recurrence, respectively, and higher NR5A2 expression in tumor-adjacent tissue increased the risk of death. In conclusion, tissues proximal to EC present higher levels of some cancer-promoting genes than the matched tumors. Malignant tumor-adjacent tissues carry a diagnostic potential and emerge as new promising target of anticancer therapy.

Circulating tumor DNA in Hodgkin lymphoma

Somatic mutations of genes involved in NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, NOTCH, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways play an important role in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). HL tumor cells form only about 5% of the tumor mass; however, it was shown that HL tumor-derived DNA could be detected in the bloodstream. This circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) reflects the genetic profile of HL tumor cells and can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of tumor-specific somatic DNA mutations within the concept of liquid biopsy. Overall, the most frequently mutated gene in HL is STAT6; however, the exact spectrum of mutations differs between individual HL histological subtypes. Importantly, reduction of ctDNA plasma levels after initial treatment is highly correlated with prognosis. Therefore, ctDNA shows great promise as a novel tool for non-invasive tumor genome analysis for biomarker driven therapy as well as for superior minimal residual disease monitoring and treatment resistance detection. Here, we summarize the recent advancements of ctDNA analysis in HL with focus on ctDNA detection methodologies, genetic profiling of HL and its clonal evolution, and the emerging prognostic value of ctDNA.

Interrelation between extracellular vesicles miRNAs with chronic lung diseases

Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are nanoscale lipid bilayer vesicles that carry biologically active biomolecule cargos like proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) outside of the cell. Blood (serum/plasma), urine, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are all examples of biofluids from which they may be collected. EVs play a vital role in intracellular communication. The molecular signature of EVs largely depends on the parental cell's status. EVs are classified into two groups, (1) exosomes (originated by endogenous route) and (2) microvesicles (originated from the plasma membrane, also known as ectosomes). The quantity and types of EV cargo vary during normal conditions compared to pathological conditions (chronic inflammatory lung diseases or lung cancer). Consequently, EVs contain novel biomarkers that differ based on the cell type of origin and during lung diseases. Small RNAs (e.g., microRNAs) are transported by EVs, which is one of the most rapidly evolving research areas in the field of EVs biology. EV-mediated cargos transport small RNAs that can result in reprograming the target/recipient cells. Multiple chronic inflammatory lung illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, acute lung injury, and lung cancer, have been demonstrated to be regulated by EV. In this review, we will consolidate the current knowledge and literature on the novel role of EVs and their small RNAs concerning chronic lung diseases (CLDs). Additionally, we will also provide better insight into the clinical and translational impact of mesenchymal stem cells-derived EVs as novel therapeutic agents in treating CLDs.

New Perspectives on the Importance of Cell-Free DNA Biology

Body fluids are constantly replenished with a population of genetically diverse cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments, representing a vast reservoir of information reflecting real-time changes in the host and metagenome. As many body fluids can be collected non-invasively in a one-off and serial fashion, this reservoir can be tapped to develop assays for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of wide-ranging pathologies, such as solid tumors, fetal genetic abnormalities, rejected organ transplants, infections, and potentially many others. The translation of cfDNA research into useful clinical tests is gaining momentum, with recent progress being driven by rapidly evolving preanalytical and analytical procedures, integrated bioinformatics, and machine learning algorithms. Yet, despite these spectacular advances, cfDNA remains a very challenging analyte due to its immense heterogeneity and fluctuation in vivo. It is increasingly recognized that high-fidelity reconstruction of the information stored in cfDNA, and in turn the development of tests that are fit for clinical roll-out, requires a much deeper understanding of both the physico-chemical features of cfDNA and the biological, physiological, lifestyle, and environmental factors that modulate it. This is a daunting task, but with significant upsides. In this review we showed how expanded knowledge on cfDNA biology and faithful reverse-engineering of cfDNA samples promises to (i) augment the sensitivity and specificity of existing cfDNA assays; (ii) expand the repertoire of disease-specific cfDNA markers, thereby leading to the development of increasingly powerful assays; (iii) reshape personal molecular medicine; and (iv) have an unprecedented impact on genetics research.

The rising tide of cell-free DNA profiling: from snapshot to temporal genome analysis

Genomes of diverse origins are continuously shed into human body fluids in the form of fragmented cell-free DNA (cfDNA). These molecules maintain the genetic and epigenetic codes of their originating source, and often carry additional layers of unique information in newly discovered physico-chemical features. Characterization of cfDNA thus presents the opportunity to non-invasively reconstruct major parts of the host- and metagenome in silico. Data from a single specimen can be leveraged to detect a broad range of disease-specific signatures and has already enabled the development of many pioneering diagnostic tests. Moreover, data from serial sampling may allow unparalleled mapping of the scantily explored landscape of temporal genomic changes as it relates to various changes in different physiological and pathological states of individuals. In this review, we explore how this vast dimension of biological information accessible through cfDNA analysis is being tapped towards the development of increasingly powerful molecular assays and how it is shaping emerging technologies. We also discuss how this departure from traditional paradigms of snapshot genetic testing may pave the way for an onrush of new and exciting discoveries in human biology.

Future of Digital Assays to Resolve Clinical Heterogeneity of Single Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are complex lipid membrane vehicles with variable expressions of molecular cargo, composed of diverse subpopulations that participate in the intercellular signaling of biological responses in disease. EV-based liquid biopsies demonstrate invaluable clinical potential for overhauling current practices of disease management. Yet, EV heterogeneity is a major needle-in-a-haystack challenge to translate their use into clinical practice. In this review, existing digital assays will be discussed to analyze EVs at a single vesicle resolution, and future opportunities to optimize the throughput, multiplexing, and sensitivity of current digital EV assays will be highlighted. Furthermore, this review will outline the challenges and opportunities that impact the clinical translation of single EV technologies for disease diagnostics and treatment monitoring.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Circulating-Free DNA and Cell-Free RNA in Cancer Management

Over time, molecular biology and genomics techniques have been developed to speed up the early diagnosis and clinical management of cancer. These therapies are often most effective when administered to the subset of malignancies harboring the target identified by molecular testing. Important advances in applying molecular testing involve circulating-free DNA (cfDNA)- and cell-free RNA (cfRNA)-based liquid biopsies for the diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, and treatment of cancer. Both cfDNA and cfRNA are sensitive and specific biomarkers for cancer detection, which have been clinically proven through multiple randomized and prospective trials. These help in cancer management based on the noninvasive evaluation of size, quantity, and point mutations, as well as copy number alterations at the tumor site. Moreover, personalized detection of ctDNA helps in adjuvant therapeutics and predicts the chances of recurrence of cancer and resistance to cancer therapy. Despite the controversial diagnostic values of cfDNA and cfRNA, many clinical trials have been completed, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved many multigene assays to detect genetic alterations in the cfDNA of cancer patients. In this review, we underpin the recent advances in the physiological roles of cfDNA and cfRNA, as well as their roles in cancer detection by highlighting recent clinical trials and their roles as prognostic and predictive markers in cancer management.

Multi-omics analysis revealed the role of extracellular vesicles in hepatobiliary & pancreatic tumor

Liquid biopsy is rapidly growing into a hot research field due to its unique advantages of minimal invasiveness, and extracellular vesicle (EVs) are also expected to become an important pillar in the diagnostic technology system as a newly discovered active substance carrier. More and more research has highlighted the important contribution of EVs in the progress of tumor. Molecular changes during disease progression could be detected in EVs. However, the diagnostic applications of EVs are not generally understood. Combined with the characteristics of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumor, we summarized the recent developments in various omics analysis of EVs. Furtherly, we explored the role of EVs in the early diagnosis of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors by multi-omics analysis.

Multifaceted roles of extracellular RNAs in different diseases

Extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) are novel circulating factors that can be used as biomarkers in various diseases. Their unique and diverse kinds, as well as their role as biomarkers, make them significant biomarkers. There has been immense work carried out since the discovery of exRNAs in circulation and other biological fluids to catalog and determine whether exRNAs may be utilized as indicators for health and illness. In this review, we aim to understand the current state of exRNAs in relation to various diseases and their potential as biomarkers. We will also review current issues and challenges faced in using exRNAs, with clinical and lab trials, that can be used as viable markers for different diseases.

Jianpi Huayu decoction inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jianpi Huayu decoction (JHD) is a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation used to treat a variety of malignant tumors including HCC, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Exosomes in the tumor microenvironment mediate intercellular signaling among cancer cells, but precise contributions to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression are still elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this work, the main objective was to examine the mechanisms underlying anti-tumor effects of JHD and the potential contributions of exosomal signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LC-MS/MS was used for quality control of JDH preparation, while nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blotting were used for verification of exosomes. In vitro assays included CCK8, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to investigate the effects of JHD on HCC cells and the molecular mechanism. Furthermore, the effects of JHD on subcutaneous tumor model of nude mice were also determined.

RESULTS

JHD inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cultured HCC cells. Further, exosomes isolated from EMT-induced HCC cells promoted the migration, invasion and EMT of other cultured HCC cells, while exosomes isolated from EMT-induced HCC cells after JHD treatment had little effect. In addition, JHD reduced the expression of exosomal miR-23a-3p in cultured HCC cells. miR-23a-3p was significantly up-regulated in tumor compared with that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues of patients with HCC. HCC patients with high miR-23a-3p expression had poor overall survival after hepatectomy. Meanwhile, miR-23a-3p enhanced HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and expression of Smad signaling proteins. More importantly, overexpression of miR-23a-3p can reverse the inhibition of EMT and Smad signaling pathway caused by JHD treatment. In vivo assays, treatment with JHD also reduced the growth of HCC-derived tumors in nude mice, reduced the expression of miR-23a-3p in serum exosomes and the level of EMT in tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

the antitumor effects of JHD on HCC are mediated at least in part by inhibition of EMT due to downregulation of exosome-mediated intercellular miR-23a-3p transfer and subsequent blockade of Smad signaling. Disrupting this exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad signaling pathway may be an effective treatment.

Exosomes in Breast Cancer: Involvement in Tumor Dissemination and Prospects for Liquid Biopsy

In women, breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer (24.5%) and the leading cause of cancer death (15.5%). Understanding how this heterogeneous disease develops and the confirm mechanisms behind tumor progression is of utmost importance. Exosomes are long-range message vesicles that mediate communication between cells in physiological conditions but also in pathology, such as breast cancer. In recent years, there has been an exponential rise in the scientific studies reporting the change in morphology and cargo of tumor-derived exosomes. Due to the transfer of biologically active molecules, such as RNA (microRNA, long non-coding RNA, mRNA, etc.) and proteins (transcription factors, enzymes, etc.) into recipient cells, these lipid bilayer 30-150 nm vesicles activate numerous signaling pathways that promote tumor development. In this review, we attempt to shed light on exosomes' involvement in breast cancer pathogenesis (including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor cell proliferation and motility, metastatic processes, angiogenesis stimulation, and immune system repression). Moreover, the potential use of exosomes as promising diagnostic biomarkers for liquid biopsy of breast cancer is also discussed.

Is liquid biopsy mature enough for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease?

The preclinical diagnosis and clinical practice for Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on liquid biopsy have made great progress in recent years. As liquid biopsy is a fast, low-cost, and easy way to get the phase of AD, continual efforts from intense multidisciplinary studies have been made to move the research tools to routine clinical diagnostics. On one hand, technological breakthroughs have brought new detection methods to the outputs of liquid biopsy to stratify AD cases, resulting in higher accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis. On the other hand, diversiform biofluid biomarkers derived from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, Saliva, and exosome were screened out and biologically verified. As a result, more detailed knowledge about the molecular pathogenesis of AD was discovered and elucidated. However, to date, how to weigh the reports derived from liquid biopsy for preclinical AD diagnosis is an ongoing question. In this review, we briefly introduce liquid biopsy and the role it plays in research and clinical practice. Then, we summarize the established fluid-based assays of the current state for AD diagnostic such as ELISA, single-molecule array (Simoa), Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS), liquid chromatography-MS, immunomagnetic reduction (IMR), multimer detection system (MDS). In addition, we give an updated list of fluid biomarkers in the AD research field. Lastly, the current outstanding challenges and the feasibility to use a stand-alone biomarker in the joint diagnostic strategy are discussed.

Bioactive engineered scaffolds based on PCL-PEG-PCL and tumor cell-derived exosomes to minimize the foreign body reaction

Long-term presence of M1 macrophages causes serious foreign body reaction (FBR), which is the main reason for the failure of biological scaffold integration. Inducing M2 polarization of macrophages near scaffolds to reduce foreign body response has been widely researched. In this work, inspired by the special capability of tumor exosomes in macrophages M2 polarization, we integrate tumor-derived exosomes into biological scaffolds to minimize the FBR. In brief, breast cancer cell-derived exosomes are loaded into polycaprolactone-b-polyethylene glycol-b-polycaprolactone (PCL-PEG-PCL) fiber scaffold through physical adsorption and entrapment to constructed bioactive engineered scaffold. In cellular experiments, we demonstrate bioactive engineered scaffold based on PCL-PEG-PCL and exosomes can promote the transformation of macrophages from M1 to M2 through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the exosomes release gradually from scaffolds and act on the macrophages around the scaffolds to reduce FBR in a subcutaneous implant mouse model. Compared with PCL-PEG-PCL scaffolds without exosomes, bioactive engineered scaffolds reduce significantly inflammation and fibrosis of tissues around the scaffolds. Therefore, cancer cell-derived exosomes show the potential for constructing engineered scaffolds in inhibiting the excessive inflammation and facilitating tissue formation.

Plasma exosomal miR-1260a, miR-7977 and miR-192-5p as diagnostic biomarkers in epithelial ovarian cancer

Aim: The study aimed to clarify the diagnostic value of exosomal miRNAs in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: Plasma exosomes were isolated from peripheral blood of EOC patients and healthy donors by ultracentrifugation and verified by transmission electron microscopy, qNano and western blot. The expression of exosomal miRNAs was detected by quantitative PCR, and the diagnostic efficiency of exosomal miRNAs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: Exosomal miR-1260a, miR-7977 and miR-192-5p were significantly decreased in EOC as compared with healthy controls. The area under the curve of the combination of three exosomal miRNAs was 0.8337. Moreover, the level of exosomal miR-7977 was related to the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, which decreased in EOC patients with a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Conclusion: Exosomal miR-1260a, miR-7977 and miR-192-5p act as potentially EOC diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Performance of Salivary Extracellular RNA Biomarker Panels for Gastric Cancer Differs between Distinct Populations

Gastric cancer (GC) has the fifth highest incidence among cancers and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death GC has predominantly a higher number of cases in certain ethnic groups such as the Korean population. GC found at an early stage is more treatable and has a higher survival rate as compared with GC found at a late stage. However, a diagnosis of GC is often delayed due to the lack of early symptoms and available screening programs in United States. Extracellular RNA (exRNA) is an emerging paradigm; exRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers in panels aimed at early detection of cancer. We previously reported the successful use of a panel of salivary exRNA for detecting GC in a high-prevalence Korean cohort, and that genetic changes reflected cancer-associated salivary exRNA changes. The current study is a case-control study of salivary exRNA biomarkers for detecting GC in an ethnically distinct U.S. cohort. A model constructed for the U.S. cohort combined demographic characteristics and salivary miRNA and mRNA biomarkers for GC and yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.78. However, the constituents of this model differed from that constructed for the Korean cohort, thus, emphasizing the importance of population-specific biomarker development and validation.

Scalable Production of Extracellular Vesicles and Its Therapeutic Values: A Review

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are minute vesicles with lipid bilayer membranes. EVs are secreted by cells for intercellular communication. Recently, EVs have received much attention, as they are rich in biological components such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins that play essential roles in tissue regeneration and disease modification. In addition, EVs can be developed as vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases, as the vesicle membrane has an abundance of antigenic determinants and virulent factors. EVs for therapeutic applications are typically collected from conditioned media of cultured cells. However, the number of EVs secreted by the cells is limited. Thus, it is critical to devise new strategies for the large-scale production of EVs. Here, we discussed the strategies utilized by researchers for the scalable production of EVs. Techniques such as bioreactors, mechanical stimulation, electrical stimulation, thermal stimulation, magnetic field stimulation, topographic clue, hypoxia, serum deprivation, pH modification, exposure to small molecules, exposure to nanoparticles, increasing the intracellular calcium concentration, and genetic modification have been used to improve the secretion of EVs by cultured cells. In addition, nitrogen cavitation, porous membrane extrusion, and sonication have been utilized to prepare EV-mimetic nanovesicles that share many characteristics with naturally secreted EVs. Apart from inducing EV production, these upscaling interventions have also been reported to modify the EVs' cargo and thus their functionality and therapeutic potential. In summary, it is imperative to identify a reliable upscaling technique that can produce large quantities of EVs consistently. Ideally, the produced EVs should also possess cargo with improved therapeutic potential.

Leishmania parasites exchange drug-resistance genes through extracellular vesicles

Leishmania are eukaryotic parasites that have retained the ability to produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) through evolution. To date, it has been unclear if different DNA entities could be associated with Leishmania EVs and whether these could constitute a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Herein, we investigate the DNA content of EVs derived from drug-resistant parasites, as well as the EVs' potential to act as shuttles for DNA transfer. Next-generation sequencing and PCR assays confirm the enrichment of amplicons carrying drug-resistance genes associated with EVs. Transfer assays of drug-resistant EVs highlight a significant impact on the phenotype of recipient parasites induced by the expression of the transferred DNA. Recipient parasites display an enhanced growth and better control of oxidative stress. We provide evidence that eukaryotic EVs function as efficient mediators in HGT, thereby facilitating the transmission of drug-resistance genes and increasing the fitness of cells when encountering stressful environments.

Tumor-Derived Membrane Vesicles: A Promising Tool for Personalized Immunotherapy

Tumor-derived membrane vesicles (TDMVs) are non-invasive, chemotactic, easily obtained characteristics and contain various tumor-borne substances, such as nucleic acid and proteins. The unique properties of tumor cells and membranes make them widely used in drug loading, membrane fusion and vaccines. In particular, personalized vectors prepared using the editable properties of cells can help in the design of personalized vaccines. This review focuses on recent research on TDMV technology and its application in personalized immunotherapy. We elucidate the strengths and challenges of TDMVs to promote their application from theory to clinical practice.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for immunomodulation and regeneration: a next generation therapeutic tool?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be widely isolated from various tissues including bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue, with the potential for self-renewal and multipotent differentiation. There is compelling evidence that the therapeutic effect of MSCs mainly depends on their paracrine action. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are fundamental paracrine effectors of MSCs and play a crucial role in intercellular communication, existing in various body fluids and cell supernatants. Since MSC-derived EVs retain the function of protocells and have lower immunogenicity, they have a wide range of prospective therapeutic applications with advantages over cell therapy. We describe some characteristics of MSC-EVs, and discuss their role in immune regulation and regeneration, with emphasis on the molecular mechanism and application of MSC-EVs in the treatment of fibrosis and support tissue repair. We also highlight current challenges in the clinical application of MSC-EVs and potential ways to overcome the problem of quality heterogeneity.

Extracellular vesicles and lipoproteins - Smart messengers of blood cells in the circulation

Blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles (BCEVs) and lipoproteins are the major circulating nanoparticles in blood that play an important role in intercellular communication. They have attracted significant interest for clinical applications, given their endogenous characteristics which make them stable, biocompatible, well tolerated, and capable of permeating biological barriers efficiently. In this review, we describe the basic characteristics of BCEVs and lipoproteins and summarize their implications in both physiological and pathological processes. We also outline well accepted workflows for the isolation and characterization of these circulating nanoparticles. Importantly, we highlight the latest progress and challenges associated with the use of circulating nanoparticles as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic interventions in multiple diseases. We spotlight novel engineering approaches and designs to facilitate the development of these nanoparticles by enhancing their stability, targeting capability, and delivery efficiency. Therefore, the present work provides a comprehensive overview of composition, biogenesis, functions, and clinical translation of circulating nanoparticles from the bench to the bedside.

New Insights into the Multivariate Analysis of SER Spectra Collected on Blood Samples for Prostate Cancer Detection: Towards a Better Understanding of the Role Played by Different Biomolecules on Cancer Screening: A Preliminary Study

Simple Summary

In recent years, research on biofluids using Raman and SERS has expanded dramatically, indicating the enormous promise of this technology as a high-throughput tool for identifying cancer and other disorders. In the investigations thus far, researchers have concentrated on a specific illness or condition, but the techniques employed to acquire experimental spectra prevent direct comparison of the data. This necessitates comparative research of a variety of diseases and an increase in scientific cooperation to standardize experimental conditions. In our study, positive results were reached by applying a combined SERS multivariate analysis (MVA) to the urgent problem of prostate cancer diagnosis that was directly linked to real-world settings in healthcare. Moreover, in comparison to the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which has a high sensitivity but limited specificity, our combined SERS-MVA method has greater specificity, which may assist in preventing the overtreatment of patients.

Abstract

It is possible to obtain diagnostically relevant data on the changes in biochemical elements brought on by cancer via the use of multivariate analysis of vibrational spectra recorded on biological fluids. Prostate cancer and control groups included in this research generated almost similar SERS spectra, which means that the values of peak intensities present in SERS spectra can only give unspecific and limited information for distinguishing between the two groups. Our diagnostic algorithm for prostate cancer (PCa) differentiation was built using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) analysis of spectral data, which has been widely used in spectral data management in many studies and has shown promising results so far. In order to fully utilize the entire SERS spectrum and automatically determine the most meaningful spectral features that can be used to differentiate PCa from healthy patients, we perform a multivariate analysis on both the entire and specific spectral intervals. Using the PCA-LDA model, the prostate cancer and control groups are clearly distinguished in our investigation. The separability of the following two data sets is also evaluated using two alternative discrimination techniques: principal least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and principal component analysis—support vector machine (PCA-SVM).

The Influence of Proteins on Fate and Biological Role of Circulating DNA

Circulating DNA has already proven itself as a valuable tool in translational medicine. However, one of the overlooked areas of circulating DNA research is its association with different proteins, despite considerable evidence that this association might impact DNA's fate in circulation and its biological role. In this review, we attempt to shed light on current ideas about circulating DNA origins and forms of circulation, known biological effects, and the clinical potential of circulating tumor deoxyribonucleoprotein complexes.

Characterizing Extracellular Vesicles Using Nanoparticle-Tracking Analysis

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized lipid bound particles secreted by cells. EVs transfer biologic material and can be found in all body fluids. Accurately characterizing the size and concentration of EVs is difficult because of the nanoscale size of EVs. An evolving solution to this problem is tracking the Brownian motion of EVs in suspension, a technique known as nanoparticle-tracking analysis (NTA). This technique is used by many researchers in the EV field. The ability to accurately replicate data between studies and laboratories is critical to advancing the knowledge surrounding EVs for use in liquid biopsy and cancer studies, in general. Thus, this chapter provides a step-by-step guide on isolating EVs using a variety of methods, for characterizing EVs using the NS300 NTA instrument, troubleshooting tips, and a robust guide to reporting key parameters that will help improve cross-lab reproducibility of NTA data.

Highly Efficient Isolation and Sensitive Detection of Small Extracellular Vesicles Using a Paper-Based Device

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play important roles in mediating intercellular communication and regulating biological processes. Facile sEV isolation is the essential and preliminary issue for their function investigation and downstream biomedical applications, while the traditional methods are challenged by tedious procedures, low purity, low yield, and potential damage. In this work, we developed an sEV isolation paper-based device (sEV-IsoPD) based on a three-dimensional (3D) paper chip, which is composed of a porous membrane for size exclusion and a metal-organic framework (MOF)/antibody-modified paper for immunoaffinity capture. In combination with a peristaltic pump-driven flow system, the sEV-IsoPD can efficiently isolate EV from cell culture medium and serum. Compared with the ultracentrifugation method, sEV-IsoPD exhibited a 5.1 times higher yield (1.7 × 10⁹ mL^-1), 1.6 times higher purity (1.6 × 10¹¹ mg^-1), and 7.5 times higher recovery (77.3%) with only 8.3% of the time (30 min) and 1.0% of the instrument cost ($710). Moreover, sEV concentration can be visually detected in a quantitative manner with this paper-based device with a linear range from 3.0 × 10⁶ to 3.0 × 10¹⁰ mL^-1 and a detection limit of 2.2 × 10⁶ mL^-1. The sEV-IsoPD provides an efficient and practical approach for the rapid isolation and visible detection of sEVs, which are promising for the preparation of sEVs and diagnosis of disease.

Roles of Exosome Genomic DNA in Colorectal Cancer

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that mediate cell-to-cell communication. Bioactive substances such as DNA, RNA, lipids, and proteins are present in it, and they play an essential role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The role of RNA and protein in exosomes has been extensively studied. Exosome DNA has recently attracted the attention of a great deal of scientists. According to studies, exosome DNA mainly contains genomic DNA (gDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), of which exosome gDNA is widely used in liquid biopsy of CRC. It includes a variety of clinically relevant tumor-specific mutation genes. In addition to liquid biopsy, researchers find that exosome gDNA regulates immune and metabolic functions in CRC, making it an important research object. However, the primary research on exosome gDNA is still limited. Here, we describe the occurrence and composition of exosomes. Summarize the essential characteristics and mode of action of exosome gDNA. Remarkably, this paper constitutes a comprehensive summary on the role of exosome gDNA on CRC with the intent of providing a theoretical basis and reference for early diagnosis and clinical treatment of cancer.

Extracellular Vesicles and Cancer Therapy: Insights into the Role of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in cancer development and cancer therapy, and is a major contributor to normal tissue injury. The unique characteristics of extracellular vesicles (EVs) have made them potentially useful as a diagnostic tool in that their molecular content indicates their cell of origin and their lipid membrane protects the content from enzymatic degradation. In addition to their possible use as a diagnostic tool, their role in how normal and diseased cells communicate is of high research interest. The most exciting area is the association of EVs, oxidative stress, and pathogenesis of numerous diseases. However, the relationship between oxidative stress and oxidative modifications of EVs is still unclear, which limits full understanding of the clinical potential of EVs. Here, we discuss how EVs, oxidative stress, and cancer therapy relate to one another; how oxidative stress can contribute to the generation of EVs; and how EVs’ contents reveal the presence of oxidative stress. We also point out the potential promise and limitations of using oxidatively modified EVs as biomarkers of cancer and tissue injury with a focus on pediatric oncology patients.

Extracellular Vesicles and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Opportunities and Challenges

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain sufficient bioactive substances and are carriers of intercellular information exchange, as well as delivery vehicles for nucleic acids, proteins and drugs. Although EVs show great potential for the treatment of HCC and their role in HCC progression has been extensively studied, there are still many challenges such as time-consuming extraction, difficult storage, easy contamination, and low drug loading rate. We focus on the biogenesis, morphological characteristics, isolation and extraction of EVs and their significance in the progression of HCC, tumor invasion, immune escape and cancer therapy for a review. EVs may be effective biomarkers for molecular diagnosis of HCC and new targets for tumor-targeted therapy.

Recent advances in exosome-mediated nucleic acid delivery for cancer therapy

Cancer is a leading public health problem worldwide. Its treatment remains a daunting challenge, although significant progress has been made in existing treatments in recent years. A large concern is the poor therapeutic effect due to lack of specificity and low bioavailability. Gene therapy has recently emerged as a powerful tool for cancer therapy. However, delivery methods limit its therapeutic effects. Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles secreted by most cells, have the characteristics of good biocompatibility, low toxicity and immunogenicity, and great designability. In the past decades, as therapeutic carriers and diagnostic markers, they have caught extensive attention. This review introduced the characteristics of exosomes, and focused on their applications as delivery carriers in DNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and other nucleic acids. Meanwhile, their application in cancer therapy and exosome-based clinical trials were presented and discussed. Through systematic summarization and analysis, the recent advances and current challenges of exosome-mediated nucleic acid delivery for cancer therapy are introduced, which will provide a theoretical basis for the development of nucleic acid drugs.

Effect of Extracellular Vesicles From Multiple Cells on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS)-related diseases are still the main cause of death in clinical patients. The phenotype switching, proliferation, migration, and secretion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have a pivotal role in atherosclerosis. Although numerous research studies have elucidated the role of VSMCs in AS, their potential functional regulations continue to be explored. The formation of AS involves various cells, such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. Therefore, intercellular communication of blood vessels cannot be ignored due to closely connected endothelia, media, and adventitia. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as the vectors of cell-to-cell communication, can deliver proteins and nucleic acids of parent cells to the recipient cells. EVs have emerged as being central in intercellular communication and play a vital role in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AS. This review summarizes the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from multiple cells (endothelial cells, macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells, etc.) on VSMCs in AS. The key findings of this review are as follows: 1) endothelial cell–derived EVs (EEVs) have anti- or pro-atherogenic effects on VSMCs; 2) macrophage-derived EVs (MEVs) aggravate the proliferation and migration of VSMCs; 3) mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit VSMCs; and 4) the proliferation and migration of VSMCs can be inhibited by the treatment of EVs with atherosclerosis-protective factors and promoted by noxious stimulants. These results suggested that EVs have the same functional properties as treated parent cells, which might provide vital guidance for treating AS.

Hydrogels for Exosome Delivery in Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels, which are hydrophilic polymer networks, have attracted great attention, and significant advances in their biological and biomedical applications, such as for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and models for medical studies, have been made. Due to their similarity in physiological structure, hydrogels are highly compatible with extracellular matrices and biological tissues and can be used as both carriers and matrices to encapsulate cellular secretions. As small extracellular vesicles secreted by nearly all mammalian cells to mediate cell–cell interactions, exosomes play very important roles in therapeutic approaches and disease diagnosis. To maintain their biological activity and achieve controlled release, a strategy that embeds exosomes in hydrogels as a composite system has been focused on in recent studies. Therefore, this review aims to provide a thorough overview of the use of composite hydrogels for embedding exosomes in medical applications, including the resources for making hydrogels and the properties of hydrogels, and strategies for their combination with exosomes.

The Role of Transposable Elements of the Human Genome in Neuronal Function and Pathology

Transposable elements (TEs) have been extensively studied for decades. In recent years, the introduction of whole-genome and whole-transcriptome approaches, as well as single-cell resolution techniques, provided a breakthrough that uncovered TE involvement in host gene expression regulation underlying multiple normal and pathological processes. Of particular interest is increased TE activity in neuronal tissue, and specifically in the hippocampus, that was repeatedly demonstrated in multiple experiments. On the other hand, numerous neuropathologies are associated with TE dysregulation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of literature about the role of TEs in neurons published over the last three decades. The first chapter of the present review describes known mechanisms of TE interaction with host genomes in general, with the focus on mammalian and human TEs; the second chapter provides examples of TE exaptation in normal neuronal tissue, including TE involvement in neuronal differentiation and plasticity; and the last chapter lists TE-related neuropathologies. We sought to provide specific molecular mechanisms of TE involvement in neuron-specific processes whenever possible; however, in many cases, only phenomenological reports were available. This underscores the importance of further studies in this area.