Oligodendrocytes secrete exosomes containing major myelin and stress-protective proteins: Trophic support for axons?

Extracellular vesicles as modulators of cell-to-cell communication in the healthy and diseased brain

Homeostasis relies heavily on effective cell-to-cell communication. In the central nervous system (CNS), probably more so than in other organs, such communication is crucial to support and protect neurons especially during ageing, as well as to control inflammation, remove debris and infectious agents. Emerging evidence indicates that extracellular vesicles (EVs) including endosome-derived exosomes and fragments of the cellular plasma membrane play a key role in intercellular communication by transporting messenger RNA, microRNA (miRNA) and proteins. In neurodegenerative diseases, secreted vesicles not only remove misfolded proteins, but also transfer aggregated proteins and prions and are thus thought to perpetuate diseases by 'infecting' neighbouring cells with these pathogenic proteins. Conversely, in other CNS disorders signals from stressed cells may help control inflammation and inhibit degeneration. EVs may also reflect the status of the CNS and are present in the cerebrospinal fluid indicating that exosomes may act as biomarkers of disease. That extracellular RNA and in particular miRNA, can be transferred by EV also indicates that these vesicles could be used as carriers to specifically target the CNS to deliver immune modulatory drugs, neuroprotective agents and anti-cancer drugs. Here, we discuss the recent evidence indicating the potential role of exosomes in neurological disorders and how knowledge of their biology may enable a Trojan-horse approach to deliver drugs into the CNS and treat neurodegenerative and other disorders of the CNS.

Extracellular-vesicle type of volume transmission and tunnelling-nanotube type of wiring transmission add a new dimension to brain neuro-glial networks

Two major types of intercellular communication are found in the central nervous system (CNS), namely wiring transmission (WT; point-to-point communication via private channels, e.g. synaptic transmission) and volume transmission (VT; communication in the extracellular fluid and in the cerebrospinal fluid). Volume and synaptic transmission become integrated because their chemical signals activate different types of interacting receptors in heteroreceptor complexes located synaptically and extrasynaptically in the plasma membrane. In VT, we focus on the role of the extracellular-vesicle type of VT, and in WT, on the potential role of the tunnelling-nanotube (TNT) type of WT. The so-called exosomes appear to be the major vesicular carrier for intercellular communication but the larger microvesicles also participate. Extracellular vesicles are released from cultured cortical neurons and different types of glial cells and modulate the signalling of the neuronal-glial networks of the CNS. This type of VT has pathological relevance, and epigenetic mechanisms may participate in the modulation of extracellular-vesicle-mediated VT. Gerdes and co-workers proposed the existence of a novel type of WT based on TNTs, which are straight transcellular channels leading to the formation in vitro of syncytial cellular networks found also in neuronal and glial cultures.

Dynamics and mechanisms of CNS myelination

Vertebrate myelination is an evolutionary advancement essential for motor, sensory, and higher-order cognitive function. CNS myelin, a multilamellar differentiation of the oligodendrocyte plasma membrane, ensheaths axons to facilitate electrical conduction. Myelination is one of the most pivotal cell-cell interactions for normal brain development, involving extensive information exchange between differentiating oligodendrocytes and axons. The molecular mechanisms of myelination are discussed, along with new perspectives on oligodendrocyte plasticity and myelin remodeling of the developing and adult CNS.

Long noncoding RNA SPRY4-IT1 predicts poor patient prognosis and promotes tumorigenesis in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as novel regulators in the cancer paradigm. However, investigation of lncRNAs on GC is still in its infancy. In this study, we focused on lncRNA SPRY4 intronic transcript 1 (SPRY4-IT1) and investigated its expression pattern, clinical significance, biological function, and molecular mechanism in GC. SPRY4-IT1 expression was examined, and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and patient prognosis was analyzed. A series of assays were performed to understand the role of SPRY4-IT1 in GC. SPRY4-IT1 expression was elevated in GC tissues and cell lines, and SPRY4-IT1 levels were highly positively correlated with tumor size, invasion depth, distant metastasis, TNM stage, and reduced overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A multivariate analysis showed that SPRY4-IT1 expression is an independent prognostic factor of OS and DFS in patients with GC. Additionally, the results of in vitro assays showed that the suppression of SPRY4-IT1 expression in GC cell line MKN-45 significantly reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration/invasion. Moreover, the tumorigenic effects of SPRY4-IT1 were partially mediated by the regulation of certain cyclins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-related genes. Our data suggest that SPRY4-IT1 plays a critical role in GC tumorigenesis and may represent a novel prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in patients with GC.

Extracellular vesicles and their synthetic analogues in aging and age-associated brain diseases

Multicellular organisms rely upon diverse and complex intercellular communications networks for a myriad of physiological processes. Disruption of these processes is implicated in the onset and propagation of disease and disorder, including the mechanisms of senescence at both cellular and organismal levels. In recent years, secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as a particularly novel vector by which cell-to-cell communications are enacted. EVs actively and specifically traffic bioactive proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites between cells at local and systemic levels, modulating cellular responses in a bidirectional manner under both homeostatic and pathological conditions. EVs are being implicated not only in the generic aging process, but also as vehicles of pathology in a number of age-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative and disease. Thus, circulating EVs-or specific EV cargoes-are being utilised as putative biomarkers of disease. On the other hand, EVs, as targeted intercellular shuttles of multipotent bioactive payloads, have demonstrated promising therapeutic properties, which can potentially be modulated and enhanced through cellular engineering. Furthermore, there is considerable interest in employing nanomedicinal approaches to mimic the putative therapeutic properties of EVs by employing synthetic analogues for targeted drug delivery. Herein we describe what is known about the origin and nature of EVs and subsequently review their putative roles in biology and medicine (including the use of synthetic EV analogues), with a particular focus on their role in aging and age-related brain diseases.

Glioblastoma exosomes and IGF-1R/AS-ODN are immunogenic stimuli in a translational research immunotherapy paradigm

Glioblastomas are primary intracranial tumors for which there is no cure. Patients receiving standard of care, chemotherapy and irradiation, survive approximately 15 months prompting studies of alternative therapies including vaccination. In a pilot study, a vaccine consisting of Lucite diffusion chambers containing irradiated autologous tumor cells pre-treated with an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) directed against the insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor was found to elicit positive clinical responses in 8/12 patients when implanted in the rectus sheath for 24 h. Our preliminary observations supported an immune response, and we have since reopened a second Phase 1 trial to assess this possibility among other exploratory objectives. The current study makes use of a murine glioma model and samples from glioblastoma patients in this second Phase 1 trial to investigate this novel therapeutic intervention more thoroughly. Implantation of the chamber-based vaccine protected mice from tumor challenge, and we posit this occurred through the release of immunostimulatory AS-ODN and antigen-bearing exosomes. Exosomes secreted by glioblastoma cultures are immunogenic, eliciting and binding antibodies present in the sera of immunized mice. Similarly, exosomes released by human glioblastoma cells bear antigens recognized by the sera of 6/12 patients with recurrent glioblastomas. These results suggest that the release of AS-ODN together with selective release of exosomes from glioblastoma cells implanted in chambers may drive the therapeutic effect seen in the pilot vaccine trial.

Dysfunction of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) represses the production of oligodendrocytes from arylsulfatase A-deficient multipotential neural precursor cells

The membrane-bound receptor for platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGFRα) is crucial for controlling the production of oligodendrocytes (OLs) for myelination, but regulation of its activity during OL differentiation is largely unknown. We have examined the effect of increased sulfated content of galactosylceramides (sulfatides) on the regulation of PDGFRα in multipotential neural precursors (NPs) that are deficient in arylsulfatase A (ASA) activity. This enzyme is responsible for the lysosomal hydrolysis of sulfatides. We show that sulfatide accumulation significantly impacts the formation of OLs via deregulation of PDGFRα function. PDGFRα is less associated with detergent-resistant membranes in ASA-deficient cells and showed a significant decrease in AKT phosphorylation. Rescue experiments with ASA showed a normalization of the ratio of long versus short sulfatides, restored PDGFRα levels, corrected its localization to detergent-resistant membranes, increased AKT phosphorylation, and normalized the production of OLs in ASA-deficient NPs. Moreover, our studies identified a novel mechanism that regulates the secretion of PDGFRα in NPs, in glial cells, and in the brain cortex via exosomal shedding. Our study provides a first step in understanding the role of sulfatides in regulating PDGFRα levels in OLs and its impact in myelination.

Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Reversal of Paclitaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common solid tumor in males and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males in the United States. The current first line therapy for metastatic PCa is androgen deprivation therapy and is initially effective against the disease. However, castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) develops in many men within 18-36 months, rendering this treatment ineffective. Chemotherapy, with a class of drugs known as taxanes is the standard-of-care cytotoxic option in metastatic castrate resistant PCa (mCRPC). However, the overall survival advantage for chemotherapy in mCRPC is only 2.2 months and the cancer cells often become resistant to these drugs as well. Once patients fail chemotherapy the progression to death is inevitable. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in cell signaling and play a role in cancer progression. Previous work has demonstrated that EVs are involved in the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. We report the reversal of taxane resistance and tumorigenic phenotype in PCa cells after EVs treatment. This study suggests that EVs represent a potentially novel therapeutic treatment option for CRPC.

Exosomes as a Nanodelivery System: a Key to the Future of Neuromedicine?

Since the beginning of the last decade, exosomes have been of increased interest in the science community. Exosomes represent a new kind of long distance transfer of biological molecules among cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview about the construction of exosomes, their targeting and their fusion mechanisms to the recipient cells. Complementarily, the current state of research regarding the cargo of exosomes is discussed. A particular focus was placed on the role of exosomes in the central nervous system. An increasing number of physiological processes in the brain could be associated with exosomes. In this context, it is becoming more apparent that exosomes are involved in several neurological and specifically neurodegenerative diseases. The treatment of these kinds of diseases is often difficult not least because of the blood-brain barrier. Exosomes are very stable, can pass the blood-brain barrier and, therefore, reveal bright perspectives towards diagnosis and therapeutic treatments. A prerequisite for clinical applications is a standardised approach. Features necessary for a standardised diagnosis using exosomes are discussed. In therapeutic terms, exosomes represent a promising drug delivery system able to pass the blood-brain barrier. One option to overcome the disadvantages potentially associated with the use of endogenous exosomes is the design of artificial exosomes. The artificial exosomes with a clearly defined therapeutic active cargo and surface marker ensuring the specific targeting to the recipient cells is proposed as a promising approach.

Exosomes secreted by cortical neurons upon glutamatergic synapse activation specifically interact with neurons

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles of endocytic origin released into the extracellular space upon fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. Exosomes represent a novel mechanism of cell-cell communication allowing direct transfer of proteins, lipids and RNAs. In the nervous system, both glial and neuronal cells secrete exosomes in a way regulated by glutamate. It has been hypothesized that exosomes can be used for interneuronal communication implying that neuronal exosomes should bind to other neurons with some kind of specificity. Here, dissociated hippocampal cells were used to compare the specificity of binding of exosomes secreted by neuroblastoma cells to that of exosomes secreted by cortical neurons. We found that exosomes from neuroblastoma cells bind indiscriminately to neurons and glial cells and could be endocytosed preferentially by glial cells. In contrast, exosomes secreted from stimulated cortical neurons bound to and were endocytosed only by neurons. Thus, our results demonstrate for the first time that exosomes released upon synaptic activation do not bind to glial cells but selectively to other neurons suggesting that they can underlie a novel aspect of interneuronal communication.

Neural stem cell-derived exosomes mediate viral entry

BACKGROUND

Viruses enter host cells through interactions of viral ligands with cellular receptors. Viruses can also enter cells in a receptor-independent fashion. Mechanisms regarding the receptor-independent viral entry into cells have not been fully elucidated. Exosomal trafficking between cells may offer a mechanism by which viruses can enter cells.

METHODS

To investigate the role of exosomes on cellular viral entry, we employed neural stem cell-derived exosomes and adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) for the proof-of-principle study.

RESULTS

Exosomes significantly enhanced Ad5 entry in Coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-deficient cells, in which Ad5 only had very limited entry. The exosomes were shown to contain T-cell immunoglobulin mucin protein 4 (TIM-4), which binds phosphatidylserine. Treatment with anti-TIM-4 antibody significantly blocked the exosome-mediated Ad5 entry.

CONCLUSION

Neural stem cell-derived exosomes mediated significant cellular entry of Ad5 in a receptor-independent fashion. This mediation may be hampered by an antibody specifically targeting TIM-4 on exosomes. This set of results will benefit further elucidation of virus/exosome pathways, which would contribute to reducing natural viral infection by developing therapeutic agents or vaccines.

Diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of exosomes in CNS diseases

A newly discovered cell-to-cell communication system involves small, membrane-enveloped nanovesicles, called exosomes. We describe here how these extracellular nanoparticles were discovered and how it became gradually apparent that they play fundamental roles in regulation of physiological functions and pathological processes. Exosomes enable intercellular communication by transporting genetic material, proteins and lipids to cells in their vicinity or at distant sites, and subsequently regulating functions of targeted cells. Relatively recent experiments indicate that exosomes are released also by CNS cells, including cortical and hippocampal neurons, glial cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and that exosomes have significant impact on pathophysiology of the brain. How it is decided what individual exosomes will carry to their targets is not understood, but it appears that the contents may represent "signature cargos" that are characteristic for various conditions. Exploration of such characteristics could result in discovery of novel diagnostic biomarkers. Exosomes are also promising as a vehicle for therapeutic delivery of micro RNA or other compounds. How to deliver exosomes to selected sites has been a tantalizing question. Recent experiments revealed that at least some exosomes carry antibodies on their surface, suggesting that it may be feasible to deliver exosomes to unique sites based on the recognition of antigens by those antibodies. This discovery implies that rather precise targeting of both natural and engineered exosomes may be feasible. This would reduce distribution volume of therapeutics, and consequently minimize their side effects. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Neuroimmunology in Health And Disease.

Ongoing activation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors mediates maturation of exosomal multivesicular endosomes

During late endosome maturation, cargo molecules are sorted into intralumenal vesicles (ILVs) of multivesicular endosomes (MVEs), and are either delivered to lysosomes for degradation or fused with the plasma membranes for exosome release. The mechanism underlying formation of exosomal ILVs and cargo sorting into ILVs destined for exosome release is still unclear. Here we show that inhibitory G protein (Gi)-coupled sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors regulate exosomal MVE maturation. Gi-coupled S1P receptors on MVEs are constitutively activated through a constant supply of S1P via autocrine activation within organelles. We also found that the continuous activation of Gi-coupled S1P receptors on MVEs is essential for cargo sorting into ILVs destined for exosome release. Our results reveal a mechanism underlying ESCRT-independent maturation of exosomal MVEs.

Dimerization of visinin-like protein 1 is regulated by oxidative stress and calcium and is a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Redox control of proteins that form disulfide bonds upon oxidative challenge is an emerging topic in the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of protein function. We have investigated the role of the neuronal calcium sensor protein visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1) as a novel redox sensor in a cellular system. We have found oxidative stress to trigger dimerization of VILIP-1 within a cellular environment and identified thioredoxin reductase as responsible for facilitating the remonomerization of the dimeric protein. Dimerization is modulated by calcium and not dependent on the myristoylation of VILIP-1. Furthermore, we show by site-directed mutagenesis that dimerization is exclusively mediated by Cys187. As a functional consequence, VILIP-1 dimerization modulates the sensitivity of cells to an oxidative challenge. We have investigated whether dimerization of VILIP-1 occurs in two different animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and detected soluble VILIP-1 dimers to be significantly enriched in the spinal cord from phenotypic disease onset onwards. Moreover, VILIP-1 is part of the ALS-specific protein aggregates. We show for the first time that the C-terminus of VILIP-1, containing Cys187, might represent a novel redox-sensitive motif and that VILIP-1 dimerization and aggregation are hallmarks of ALS. This suggests that VILIP-1 dimers play a functional role in integrating the cytosolic calcium concentration and the oxidative status of the cell. Furthermore, a loss of VILIP-1 function owing to protein aggregation in ALS could be relevant in the pathophysiology of the disease.

The tegument protein pp65 of human cytomegalovirus acts as an optional scaffold protein that optimizes protein uploading into viral particles

The mechanisms that lead to the tegumentation of herpesviral particles are only poorly defined. The phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) is the most abundant constituent of the virion tegument of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). It is, however, nonessential for virion formation. This seeming discrepancy has not met with a satisfactory explanation regarding the role of pp65 in HCMV particle morphogenesis. Here, we addressed the question of how the overall tegument composition of the HCMV virion depended on pp65 and how the lack of pp65 influenced the packaging of particular tegument proteins. To investigate this, we analyzed the proteomes of pp65-positive (pp65pos) and pp65-negative (pp65neg) virions by label-free quantitative mass spectrometry and determined the relative abundances of tegument proteins. Surprisingly, only pUL35 was elevated in pp65neg virions. As the abundance of pUL35 in the HCMV tegument is low, it is unlikely that it replaced pp65 as a structural component in pp65neg virions. A subset of proteins, including the third most abundant tegument protein, pUL25, as well as pUL43, pUL45, and pUL71, were reduced in pp65neg or pp65low virions, indicating that the packaging of these proteins was related to pp65. The levels of tegument components, like pp28 and the capsid-associated tegument proteins pp150, pUL48, and pUL47, were unaffected by the lack of pp65. Our analyses demonstrate that deletion of pp65 is not compensated for by other viral proteins in the process of virion tegumentation. The results are concordant with a model of pp65 serving as an optional scaffold protein that facilitates protein upload into the outer tegument of HCMV particles.

IMPORTANCE

The assembly of the tegument of herpesviruses is only poorly understood. Particular proteins, like HCMV pp65, are abundant tegument constituents. pp65 is thus considered to play a major role in tegument assembly in the process of virion morphogenesis. We show here that deletion of the pp65 gene leads to reduced packaging of a subset of viral proteins, indicating that pp65 acts as an optional scaffold protein mediating protein upload into the tegument.

Expression of proteolipid protein gene in spinal cord stem cells and early oligodendrocyte progenitor cells is dispensable for normal cell migration and myelination

Plp1 gene expression occurs very early in development, well before the onset of myelination, creating a conundrum with regard to the function of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), one of the major proteins in compact myelin. Using PLP-EGFP mice to investigate Plp1 promoter activity, we found that, at very early time points, PLP-EGFP was expressed in Sox2+ undifferentiated precursors in the spinal cord ventricular zone (VZ), as well as in the progenitors of both neuronal and glial lineages. As development progressed, most PLP-EGFP-expressing cells gave rise to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). The expression of PLP-EGFP in the spinal cord was quite dynamic during development. PLP-EGFP was highly expressed as cells delaminated from the VZ. Expression was downregulated as cells moved laterally through the cord, and then robustly upregulated as OPCs differentiated into mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. The presence of PLP-EGFP expression in OPCs raises the question of its role in this migratory population. We crossed PLP-EGFP reporter mice into a Plp1-null background to investigate the role of PLP in early OPC development. In the absence of PLP, normal numbers of OPCs were generated and their distribution throughout the spinal cord was unaffected. However, the orientation and length of OPC processes during migration was abnormal in Plp1-null mice, suggesting that PLP plays a role either in the structural integrity of OPC processes or in their response to extracellular cues that orient process outgrowth.

Exosomes and their role in CNS viral infections

Exosomes are small membrane-bound vesicles that carry biological macromolecules from the site of production to target sites either in the microenvironment or at distant sites away from the origin. Exosomal content of cells varies with the cell type that produces them as well as environmental factors that alter the normal state of the cell such as viral infection. Human DNA and RNA viruses alter the composition of host proteins as well as incorporate their own viral proteins and other cargo into the secreted exosomes. While numerous viruses can infect various cell types of the CNS and elicit damaging neuropathologies, few have been studied for their exosomal composition, content, and function on recipient cells. Therefore, there is a pressing need to understand how DNA and RNA viral infections in CNS control exosomal release. Some of the more recent studies including HIV-1, HTLV-1, and EBV-infected B cells indicate that exosomes from these infections contain viral miRNAs, viral transactivators, and a host of cytokines that can control the course of infection. Finally, because exosomes can serve as vehicles for the cellular delivery of proteins and RNA and given that the blood-brain barrier is a formidable challenge in delivering therapeutics to the brain, exosomes may be able to serve as ideal vehicles to deliver protein or RNA-based therapeutics to the brain.

Extracellular vesicles in prostate cancer: new future clinical strategies?

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer—excluding skin tumors—in men older than 50 years of age. Over time, the ability to diagnose PCa has improved considerably, mainly due to the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the clinical routine. However, it is important to take into account that although PSA is a highly organ-specific marker, it is not cancer-specific. This shortcoming suggests the need to find new and more specific molecular markers. Several emerging PCa biomarkers have been evaluated or are being assessed for their potential use. There is increasing interest in the prospective use of extracellular vesicles as specific markers; it is well known that the content of vesicles is dependent on their cellular origin and is strongly related to the stimulus that triggers the release of the vesicles. Consequently, the identification of a disease-specific molecule (protein, lipid or RNA) associated with vesicles could facilitate their use as novel biological markers. The present review describes several in vitro studies that demonstrate the role of vesicles in PCa progression and several in vivo studies that highlight the potential use of vesicles as PCa biomarkers.

Axon-glia interaction and membrane traffic in myelin formation

In vertebrate nervous systems myelination of neuronal axons has evolved to increase conduction velocity of electrical impulses with minimal space and energy requirements. Myelin is formed by specialized glial cells which ensheath axons with a lipid-rich insulating membrane. Myelination is a multi-step process initiated by axon-glia recognition triggering glial polarization followed by targeted myelin membrane expansion and compaction. Thereby, a myelin sheath of complex subdomain structure is established. Continuous communication between neurons and glial cells is essential for myelin maintenance and axonal integrity. A diverse group of diseases, from multiple sclerosis to schizophrenia, have been linked to malfunction of myelinating cells reflecting the physiological importance of the axon-glial unit. This review describes the mechanisms of axonal signal integration by oligodendrocytes emphasizing the central role of the Src-family kinase Fyn during central nervous system (CNS) myelination. Furthermore, we discuss myelin membrane trafficking with particular focus on endocytic recycling and the control of proteolipid protein (PLP) transport by soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins. Finally, PLP mistrafficking is considered in the context of myelin diseases.

Concepts for regulation of axon integrity by enwrapping glia

Long axons and their enwrapping glia (EG; Schwann cells (SCs) and oligodendrocytes (OLGs)) form a unique compound structure that serves as conduit for transport of electric and chemical information in the nervous system. The peculiar cytoarchitecture over an enormous length as well as its substantial energetic requirements make this conduit particularly susceptible to detrimental alterations. Degeneration of long axons independent of neuronal cell bodies is observed comparatively early in a range of neurodegenerative conditions as a consequence of abnormalities in SCs and OLGs . This leads to the most relevant disease symptoms and highlights the critical role that these glia have for axon integrity, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The quest to understand why and how axons degenerate is now a crucial frontier in disease-oriented research. This challenge is most likely to lead to significant progress if the inextricable link between axons and their flanking glia in pathological situations is recognized. In this review I compile recent advances in our understanding of the molecular programs governing axon degeneration, and mechanisms of EG’s non-cell autonomous impact on axon-integrity. A particular focus is placed on emerging evidence suggesting that EG nurture long axons by virtue of their intimate association, release of trophic substances, and neurometabolic coupling. The correction of defects in these functions has the potential to stabilize axons in a variety of neuronal diseases in the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system (PNS and CNS).

Exosomes in prostate cancer: putting together the pieces of a puzzle

Exosomes have been shown to act as mediators for cell to cell communication and as a potential source of biomarkers for many diseases, including prostate cancer. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles secreted by cells and consist of proteins normally found in multivesicular bodies, RNA, DNA and lipids. As a potential source of biomarkers, exosomes have attracted considerable attention, as their protein content resembles that of their cells of origin, even though it is noted that the proteins, miRNAs and lipids found in the exosomes are not a reflective stoichiometric sampling of the contents from the parent cells. While the biogenesis of exosomes in dendritic cells and platelets has been extensively characterized, much less is known about the biogenesis of exosomes in cancer cells. An understanding of the processes involved in prostate cancer will help to further elucidate the role of exosomes and other extracellular vesicles in prostate cancer progression and metastasis. There are few methodologies available for general isolation of exosomes, however validation of those methodologies is necessary to study the role of exosomal-derived biomarkers in various diseases. In this review, we discuss “exosomes” as a member of the family of extracellular vesicles and their potential to provide candidate biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Exosome release from infected dendritic cells: a clue for a fast spread of prions in the periphery?

Prion diseases are incurable transmissible neurological disorders. In many natural and experimental prion diseases, infectious prions can be detected in the lymphoreticular system (LRS) long before they reach the brain where they cause a fatal rapidly progressive degeneration. Although major cell types that contribute to prion accumulation have been identified, the mode of prion dissemination in the LRS remains elusive. Recent evidence of a remarkably fast splenic prion accumulation after peripheral infection of mice, resulting in high prion titers in dendritic cells (DCs) and a release of prions from infected DCs via exosomes suggest that intercellular dissemination may contribute to rapid prion colonization in the LRS. A vast body of evidence from retroviral infections shows that DCs and other antigen-presenting cells (APCs) share viral antigens by intercellular transfer to warrant immunity against viruses if APCs remain uninfected. Evolved to adapt the immune response to evading pathogens, these pathways may constitute a portal for unimpeded prion dissemination owing to the tolerance of the immune system against host-encoded prion protein. In this review we summarize current paradigms for antigen-sharing pathways which may be relevant to better understand dissemination of rogue neurotoxic proteins.

Extracellular vesicles as mediators of neuron-glia communication

In the nervous system, glia cells maintain homeostasis, synthesize myelin, provide metabolic support, and participate in immune defense. The communication between glia and neurons is essential to synchronize these diverse functions with brain activity. Evidence is accumulating that secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and shedding microvesicles, are key players in intercellular signaling. The cells of the nervous system secrete EVs, which potentially carry protein and RNA cargo from one cell to another. After delivery, the cargo has the ability to modify the target cell phenotype. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding the role of EV secretion by astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. Current work has demonstrated that oligodendrocytes transfer exosomes to neurons as a result of neurotransmitter signaling suggesting that these vesicles may mediate glial support of neurons.

White matter plasticity in adulthood

CNS white matter is subject to a novel form of neural plasticity which has been termed "myelin plasticity". It is well established that oligodendrocyte generation and the addition of new myelin internodes continue throughout normal adulthood. These new myelin internodes maybe required for the de novo myelination of previously unmyelinated axons, myelin sheath replacement, or even myelin remodeling. Each process could alter axonal conduction velocity, but to what end? We review the changes that occur within the white matter over the lifetime, the known regulators and mediators of white matter plasticity in the mature CNS, and the physiological role this plasticity may play in CNS function.

Neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis: a therapeutic approach

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is pathologically characterized by inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration. Axonal damage, along with neuronal loss, occurs from disease onset and may lead to progressive and permanent disability. In contrast with the inflammatory pathways, the molecular mechanisms leading to MS neurodegeneration remain largely elusive. With improved understanding of these mechanisms, new potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection have emerged. We review the current understanding of neurodegenerative processes at play in MS and discuss potential outcome measures and targets for neuroprotection trials.

Exosomes: mediators of neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and therapeutics

Exosomes have emerged as prominent mediators of neurodegenerative diseases where they have been shown to carry disease particles such as beta amyloid and prions from their cells of origin to other cells. Their simple structure and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allow great opportunity to design a "makeup" with drugs and genetic elements, such as siRNA or miRNA, and use them as delivery vehicles for neurotherapeutics. Their role in neuroprotection is evident by the fact that they are involved in the regeneration of peripheral nerves and repair of neuronal injuries. This review is focused on the role of exosomes in mediating neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.

Schwann cell-derived exosomes enhance axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system

Axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system is greatly supported by Schwann cells (SCs). After nerve injury, SCs dedifferentiate to a progenitor-like state and efficiently guide axons to their original target tissues. Contact and soluble factors participate in the crosstalk between SCs and axons during axonal regeneration. Here we show that dedifferentiated SCs secrete nano-vesicles known as exosomes which are specifically internalized by axons. Surprisingly, SC-derived exosomes markedly increase axonal regeneration in vitro and enhance regeneration after sciatic nerve injury in vivo. Exosomes shift the growth cone morphology to a pro-regenerating phenotype and decrease the activity of the GTPase RhoA, involved in growth cone collapse and axon retraction. Altogether, our work identifies a novel mechanism by which SCs communicate with neighboring axons during regenerative processes. We propose that SC exosomes represent an important mechanism by which these cells locally support axonal maintenance and regeneration after nerve damage.

Exosomes function in cell-cell communication during brain circuit development

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that mediate intercellular signaling in the brain without requiring direct contact between cells. Although exosomes have been shown to play a role in neurological diseases and in response to nerve trauma, a role for exosome-mediated signaling in brain development and function has not yet been demonstrated. Here we review data building a case for exosome function in the brain.

Neurotransmitter-triggered transfer of exosomes mediates oligodendrocyte-neuron communication

Neuronal activity provokes myelinating oligodendrocytes to release exosomes by stimulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors, and that once released, these vesicles are internalized by neurons conveying neuroprotection.

Reciprocal interactions between neurons and oligodendrocytes are not only crucial for myelination, but also for long-term survival of axons. Degeneration of axons occurs in several human myelin diseases, however the molecular mechanisms of axon-glia communication maintaining axon integrity are poorly understood. Here, we describe the signal-mediated transfer of exosomes from oligodendrocytes to neurons. These endosome-derived vesicles are secreted by oligodendrocytes and carry specific protein and RNA cargo. We show that activity-dependent release of the neurotransmitter glutamate triggers oligodendroglial exosome secretion mediated by Ca²⁺ entry through oligodendroglial NMDA and AMPA receptors. In turn, neurons internalize the released exosomes by endocytosis. Injection of oligodendroglia-derived exosomes into the mouse brain results in functional retrieval of exosome cargo in neurons. Supply of cultured neurons with oligodendroglial exosomes improves neuronal viability under conditions of cell stress. These findings indicate that oligodendroglial exosomes participate in a novel mode of bidirectional neuron-glia communication contributing to neuronal integrity.

Brain function largely depends on the communication between electrically excitable neurons and surrounding glial cells. Myelinating oligodendrocytes are a type of brain cell that insulate major neuronal processes (axons) and help to sustainably maintain axonal health, which is poorly understood in molecular terms. Several cell types release microvesicles termed exosomes that include genetic information (primarily RNA) and can act as vehicles transferring specific cargo to target cells. Here, we demonstrate that exosomes secreted by oligodendrocytes in response to neuronal signals enter neurons to make their cargo functionally available to the neuronal metabolism. We revealed in cultured cells that exosome release from oligodendrocytes is triggered by the neurotransmitter glutamate through activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors. We also show that glial exosomes are internalized by neurons via an endocytic pathway. By modifying oligodendroglial exosomes with a reporter enzyme, we could demonstrate that the exosome cargo is recovered by target neurons in culture as well as in vivo after injection of exosomes into the mouse brain. Neurons challenged with stressful growth conditions were protected when treated with oligodendroglial exosomes. The study introduces a new concept of reciprocal cell communication in the nervous system and identifies the signal-mediated transfer of exosomes from oligodendrocytes to neurons contributing to the preservation of axonal health.

Classical and unconventional pathways of vesicular release in microglia

Emerging evidence indicates that activation of microglia, the immune cells of the brain, is strictly associated to both secretion of soluble molecules and release of extracellular membrane vesicles (EMVs) into the pericellular space. Through these processes, microglia heavily influence brain cell functions, either propagating inflammation and causing damage to neurons or playing a supportive, neuroprotective role. In this review, we highlight the emerging concepts related to vesicular mechanisms of secretion operating in microglial cells, with the aim of dissecting how microglia communicate with other cell types within the brain microenvironment in health and disease.

Extracellular vesicles: exosomes, microvesicles, and friends

Cells release into the extracellular environment diverse types of membrane vesicles of endosomal and plasma membrane origin called exosomes and microvesicles, respectively. These extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important mode of intercellular communication by serving as vehicles for transfer between cells of membrane and cytosolic proteins, lipids, and RNA. Deficiencies in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms for EV formation and lack of methods to interfere with the packaging of cargo or with vesicle release, however, still hamper identification of their physiological relevance in vivo. In this review, we focus on the characterization of EVs and on currently proposed mechanisms for their formation, targeting, and function.

Mutation of SIMPLE in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1C alters production of exosomes

Mutations in the protein SIMPLE account for the rare autosomal-dominant demyelination in type 1C CMT patients (CMT1C). SIMPLE plays a role in the production of exosomes. Dysregulated endosomal trafficking and changes in exosome-mediated intercellular communications might account for CMT1C molecular pathogenesis.

Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is an inherited neurological disorder. Mutations in the small integral membrane protein of the lysosome/late endosome (SIMPLE) account for the rare autosomal-dominant demyelination in CMT1C patients. Understanding the molecular basis of CMT1C pathogenesis is impeded, in part, by perplexity about the role of SIMPLE, which is expressed in multiple cell types. Here we show that SIMPLE resides within the intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and inside exosomes, which are nanovesicles secreted extracellularly. Targeting of SIMPLE to exosomes is modulated by positive and negative regulatory motifs. We also find that expression of SIMPLE increases the number of exosomes and secretion of exosome proteins. We engineer a point mutation on the SIMPLE allele and generate a physiological mouse model that expresses CMT1C-mutated SIMPLE at the endogenous level. We find that CMT1C mouse primary embryonic fibroblasts show decreased number of exosomes and reduced secretion of exosome proteins, in part due to improper formation of MVBs. CMT1C patient B cells and CMT1C mouse primary Schwann cells show similar defects. Together the data indicate that SIMPLE regulates the production of exosomes by modulating the formation of MVBs. Dysregulated endosomal trafficking and changes in the landscape of exosome-mediated intercellular communications may place an overwhelming burden on the nervous system and account for CMT1C molecular pathogenesis.

Signaling pathways in exosomes biogenesis, secretion and fate

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (30–100 nm) derived from the endosomal system, which have raised considerable interest in the last decade. Several studies have shown that they mediate cell-to-cell communication in a variety of biological processes. Thus, in addition to cell-to-cell direct interaction or secretion of active molecules, they are now considered another class of signal mediators. Exosomes can be secreted by several cell types and retrieved in many body fluids, such as blood, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition to proteins and lipids, they also contain nucleic acids, namely mRNA and miRNA. These features have prompted extensive research to exploit them as a source of biomarkers for several pathologies, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In this context, exosomes also appear attractive as gene delivery vehicles. Furthermore, exosome immunomodulatory and regenerative properties are also encouraging their application for further therapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, several issues remain to be addressed: exosome biogenesis and secretion mechanisms have not been clearly understood, and physiological functions, as well as pathological roles, are far from being satisfactorily elucidated.

Superhydrophobic surfaces allow probing of exosome self organization using X-ray scattering

Drops of exosome dispersions from healthy epithelial colon cell line and colorectal cancer cells were dried on a superhydrophobic PMMA substrate. The residues were studied by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering using both a synchrotron radiation micrometric beam and a high-flux table-top X-ray source. Structural differences between healthy and cancerous cells were detected in the lamellar lattices of the exosome macro-aggregates.

Proteomics, transcriptomics and lipidomics of exosomes and ectosomes

Mammalian cells secrete two types of extracellular vesicles either constitutively or in a regulated manner: exosomes (50-100 nm in diameter) released from the intracellular compartment and ectosomes (also called microvesicles, 100-1000 nm in diameter) shed directly from the plasma membrane. Extracellular vesicles are bilayered proteolipids enriched with proteins, mRNAs, microRNAs, and lipids. In recent years, much data have been collected regarding the specific components of extracellular vesicles from various cell types and body fluids using proteomic, transcriptomic, and lipidomic methods. These studies have revealed that extracellular vesicles harbor specific types of proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, and lipids rather than random cellular components. These results provide valuable information on the molecular mechanisms involved in vesicular cargo-sorting and biogenesis. Furthermore, studies of these complex extracellular organelles have facilitated conceptual advancements in the field of intercellular communication under physiological and pathological conditions as well as for disease-specific biomarker discovery. This review focuses on the proteomic, transcriptomic, and lipidomic profiles of extracellular vesicles, and will briefly summarize recent advances in the biology, function, and diagnostic potential of vesicle-specific components.

Exosomes as nano-theranostic delivery platforms for gene therapy

Exosomes are biological membrane vesicles measuring 30 to 100 nm. They contain an abundance of small molecules like tetraspanins, receptors for targeting and adhesion, lipids, and RNA. They are secreted by most biological cells, and are involved in a plethora of physiological functions including, but not limited to, transport of genetic material, modulation of the immune system, and cell-to-cell communication. It has been further reported that exosomes utilize a mechanism similar to that of viruses for gaining entry into cells. Due to their viral-like transfection efficiency and inherent biological function, compelling evidence indicates that exosomes can be used as novel delivery platforms for gene therapy. Furthermore, RNA-containing exosomes derived from cells can serve as functional genetic biomarkers for diseases. This twin modality of therapeutic and diagnostic is termed theranostics in the emerging field of nanomedicine. Hence in this review, we seek to expound on the various facets of exosomes, highlighting their significance in and relevance to nano-theranostic platforms for gene therapy.

A critical role for the cholesterol-associated proteolipids PLP and M6B in myelination of the central nervous system

The formation of central nervous system myelin by oligodendrocytes requires sterol synthesis and is associated with a significant enrichment of cholesterol in the myelin membrane. However, it is unknown how oligodendrocytes concentrate cholesterol above the level found in nonmyelin membranes. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for proteolipids in cholesterol accumulation. Mice lacking the most abundant myelin protein, proteolipid protein (PLP), are fully myelinated, but PLP-deficient myelin exhibits a reduced cholesterol content. We therefore hypothesized that "high cholesterol" is not essential in the myelin sheath itself but is required for an earlier step of myelin biogenesis that is fully compensated for in the absence of PLP. We also found that a PLP-homolog, glycoprotein M6B, is a myelin component of low abundance. By targeting the Gpm6b-gene and crossbreeding, we found that single-mutant mice lacking either PLP or M6B are fully myelinated, while double mutants remain severely hypomyelinated, with enhanced neurodegeneration and premature death. As both PLP and M6B bind membrane cholesterol and associate with the same cholesterol-rich oligodendroglial membrane microdomains, we suggest a model in which proteolipids facilitate myelination by sequestering cholesterol. While either proteolipid can maintain a threshold level of cholesterol in the secretory pathway that allows myelin biogenesis, lack of both proteolipids results in a severe molecular imbalance of prospective myelin membrane. However, M6B is not efficiently sorted into mature myelin, in which it is 200-fold less abundant than PLP. Thus, only PLP contributes to the high cholesterol content of myelin by association and co-transport.

Transsynaptic modality codes in the brain: possible involvement of synchronized spike timing, microRNAs, exosomes and epigenetic processes

This paper surveys two different mechanisms by which a presynaptic cell can modulate the structure and function of the postsynaptic cell. We first present the evidence that this occurs, and then discuss two mechanisms that could bring this about. The first hypothesis relates to the long lasting effects that the spike patterns of presynaptic axons may exert by modulating activity-inducible programs in postsynaptic cells. The second hypothesis is based on recently obtained evidence that, the afferent neuron at the neuromuscular junction buds off exosomes at its synapse and carries a cargo of Wg and Evi, which are large molecular transsynaptic signaling agents (LMTSAs). Further evidence indicates that many types of neurons bud off exosomes containing payloads of various lipids, proteins, and types of RNA. The evidence suggests that they are transmitted across the synapse and are taken up by the postsynaptic structure either by perisynaptic or exosynaptic mechanisms, thus mediating the transfer of information between neurons. To date, the molecular hypothesis has been limited to local interactions within the synapse of concern. In this paper, we explore the possibility that this represents a mechanism for information transfer involving the postsynaptic neuron as a whole. This entails a review of the known functions of these molecules in neuronal physiology, together with an estimate of the possible types of information they could carry and how they might affect neurocomputations.

Neuroprotection and repair in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that is considered by many people to have an autoimmune aetiology. In recent years, new data emerging from histopathology, imaging and other studies have expanded our understanding of the disease and may change the way in which it is treated. Conceptual shifts have included: first, an appreciation of the extent to which the neuron and its axon are affected in MS, and second, elucidation of how the neurobiology of axon-glial and, particularly, axon-myelin interaction may influence disease progression. In this article, we review advances in both areas, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying axonal loss in acute inflammation and in chronic demyelination, and discussing how the restoration of myelin sheaths via the regenerative process of remyelination might prevent axon degeneration. An understanding of these processes could lead to better strategies for the prevention and treatment of axonal loss, which will ultimately benefit patients with MS.

Design and application of a data-independent precursor and product ion repository

The functional design and application of a data-independent LC-MS precursor and product ion repository for protein identification, quantification, and validation is conceptually described. The ion repository was constructed from the sequence search results of a broad range of discovery experiments investigating various tissue types of two closely related mammalian species. The relative high degree of similarity in protein complement, ion detection, and peptide and protein identification allows for the analysis of normalized precursor and product ion intensity values, as well as standardized retention times, creating a multidimensional/orthogonal queryable, qualitative, and quantitative space. Peptide ion map selection for identification and quantification is primarily based on replication and limited variation. The information is stored in a relational database and is used to create peptide- and protein-specific fragment ion maps that can be queried in a targeted fashion against the raw or time aligned ion detections. These queries can be conducted either individually or as groups, where the latter affords pathway and molecular machinery analysis of the protein complement. The presented results also suggest that peptide ionization and fragmentation efficiencies are highly conserved between experiments and practically independent of the analyzed biological sample when using similar instrumentation. Moreover, the data illustrate only minor variation in ionization efficiency with amino acid sequence substitutions occurring between species. Finally, the data and the presented results illustrate how LC-MS performance metrics can be extracted and utilized to ensure optimal performance of the employed analytical workflows.

Systematic approaches to central nervous system myelin

Rapid signal propagation along vertebrate axons is facilitated by their insulation with myelin, a plasma membrane specialization of glial cells. The recent application of 'omics' approaches to the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes, revealed their mRNA signatures, enhanced our understanding of how myelination is regulated, and established that the protein composition of myelin is much more complex than previously thought. This review provides a meta-analysis of the > 1,200 proteins thus far identified by mass spectrometry in biochemically purified central nervous system myelin. Contaminating proteins are surprisingly infrequent according to bioinformatic prediction of subcellular localization and comparison with the transcriptional profile of oligodendrocytes. The integration of datasets also allowed the subcategorization of the myelin proteome into functional groups comprising genes that are coregulated during oligodendroglial differentiation. An unexpectedly large number of myelin-related genes cause-when mutated in humans-hereditary diseases affecting the physiology of the white matter. Systematic approaches to oligodendrocytes and myelin thus provide valuable resources for the molecular dissection of developmental myelination, glia-axonal interactions, leukodystrophies, and demyelinating diseases.

Oncogenic extracellular vesicles in brain tumor progression

The brain is a frequent site of neoplastic growth, including both primary and metastatic tumors. The clinical intractability of many brain tumors and their distinct biology are implicitly linked to the unique microenvironment of the central nervous system (CNS) and cellular interactions within. Among the most intriguing forms of cellular interactions is that mediated by membrane-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). Their biogenesis (vesiculation) and uptake by recipient cells serves as a unique mechanism of intercellular trafficking of complex biological messages including the exchange of molecules that cannot be released through classical secretory pathways, or that are prone to extracellular degradation. Tumor cells produce EVs containing molecular effectors of several cancer-related processes such as growth, invasion, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and coagulopathy. Notably, tumor-derived EVs (oncosomes) also contain oncogenic proteins, transcripts, DNA, and microRNA (miR). Uptake of this material may change properties of the recipient cells and impact the tumor microenvironment. Examples of transformation-related molecules found in the cargo of tumor-derived EVs include the oncogenic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRvIII), tumor suppressors (PTEN), and oncomirs (miR-520g). It is postulated that EVs circulating in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of brain tumor patients may be used to decipher molecular features (mutations) of the underlying malignancy, reflect responses to therapy, or molecular subtypes of primary brain tumors [e.g., glioma or medulloblastoma (MB)]. It is possible that metastases to the brain may also emit EVs with clinically relevant oncogenic signatures. Thus, EVs emerge as a novel and functionally important vehicle of intercellular communication that can mediate multiple biological effects. In addition, they provide a unique platform to develop molecular biomarkers in brain malignancies.

Role of exosomes/microvesicles in the nervous system and use in emerging therapies

Extracellular membrane vesicles (EMVs) are nanometer sized vesicles, including exosomes and microvesicles capable of transferring DNAs, mRNAs, microRNAs, non-coding RNAs, proteins, and lipids among cells without direct cell-to-cell contact, thereby representing a novel form of intercellular communication. Many cells in the nervous system have been shown to release EMVs, implicating their active roles in development, function, and pathologies of this system. While substantial progress has been made in understanding the biogenesis, biophysical properties, and involvement of EMVs in diseases, relatively less information is known about their biological function in the normal nervous system. In addition, since EMVs are endogenous vehicles with low immunogenicity, they have also been actively investigated for the delivery of therapeutic genes/molecules in treatment of cancer and neurological diseases. The present review summarizes current knowledge about EMV functions in the nervous system under both physiological and pathological conditions, as well as emerging EMV-based therapies that could be applied to the nervous system in the foreseeable future.

Exosomes as biomarker enriched microvesicles: characterization of exosomal proteins derived from a panel of prostate cell lines with distinct AR phenotypes

Prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer diagnosed in men. In 2010, ~217,730 new cases of prostate cancer were reported in the United States. Prompt diagnosis of the disease can substantially improve its clinical outcome. Improving capability for early detection, as well as developing new therapeutic targets in advanced disease are research priorities that will ultimately lead to better patient survival. Eukaryotic cells secrete proteins via distinct regulated mechanisms which are either ER/Golgi dependent or microvesicle mediated. The release of microvesicles has been shown to provide a novel mechanism for intercellular communication. Exosomes are nanometer sized cup-shaped membrane vesicles which are secreted from normal and cancerous cells. They are present in various biological fluids and are rich in characteristic proteins. Exosomes may thus have potential both in facilitating early diagnosis via less invasive procedures or be candidates for novel therapeutic approaches for castration resistance prostate cancer. Because exosomes have been shown previously to have a role in cell-cell communication in the local tumor microenvironment, conferring activation of numerous survival mechanisms, we characterized constitutive lipids, cholesterol and proteins from exosomes derived from six prostate cell lines and tracked their uptake in both cancerous and benign prostate cell lines respectively. Our comprehensive proteomic and lipidomic analysis of prostate derived exosomes could provide insight for future work on both biomarker and therapeutic targets for the treatment of prostate cancer.