Treatment of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y with HSP27 siRNA tagged-exosomes decreased differentiation rate into mature neurons

Exosomal HSPB1, interacting with FUS protein, suppresses hypoxia-induced ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer by stabilizing Nrf2 mRNA and repressing P450

Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death, which has been involved in the progression of tumours. However, the regulatory network of ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer is still largely unknown. Here, using datasets from GEO and TCGA, we screened HSPB1, related to the P450 monooxygenase signalling, a fuel of ferroptosis, to be a candidate gene for regulating pancreatic cancer cell ferroptosis. We found that HSPB1 was enriched in the exosomes derived from human pancreatic cancer cell lines SW1990 and Panc-1. Then, hypoxic SW1990 cells were incubated with exosomes alone or together with HSPB1 siRNA (si-HSPB1), and we observed that exosomes promoted cell proliferation and invasion and suppressed ferroptosis, which was reversed by si-HSPB1. Moreover, we found a potential binding affinity between HSPB1 and FUS, verified their protein interaction by using dual-colour fluorescence colocalization and co-IP assays, and demonstrated the promoting effect of FUS on oxidative stress and ferroptosis in hypoxic SW1990 cells. Subsequently, FUS was demonstrated to bind with and stabilize the mRNA of Nrf2, a famous anti-ferroptosis gene that negatively regulates the level of P450. Furthermore, overexpressing FUS and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway (using NK-252) both reversed the inhibitory effect of si-HSPB1 on exosome functions. Finally, our in vivo studies showed that exosome administration promote tumour growth in nude mice of xenotransplantation, which was able to be eliminated by knockdown of HSPB1. In conclusion, exosomal HSPB1 interacts with the RNA binding protein FUS and decreases FUS-mediated stability of Nrf2 mRNA, thus suppressing hypoxia-induced ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer.

Smart Nanoscale Extracellular Vesicles in the Brain: Unveiling their Biology, Diagnostic Potential, and Therapeutic Applications

Information exchange is essential for the brain, where it communicates the physiological and pathological signals to the periphery and vice versa. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of membrane-bound cellular informants actively transferring informative calls to and from the brain via lipids, proteins, and nucleic acid cargos. In recent years, EVs have also been widely used to understand brain function, given their "cell-like" properties. On the one hand, the presence of neuron and astrocyte-derived EVs in biological fluids have been exploited as biomarkers to understand the mechanisms and progression of multiple neurological disorders; on the other, EVs have been used in designing targeted therapies due to their potential to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Despite the expanding literature on EVs in the context of central nervous system (CNS) physiology and related disorders, a comprehensive compilation of the existing knowledge still needs to be made available. In the current review, we provide a detailed insight into the multifaceted role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs) in the intricate regulation of brain physiology. Our focus extends to the significance of these EVs in a spectrum of disorders, including brain tumors, neurodegenerative conditions, neuropsychiatric diseases, autoimmune disorders, and others. Throughout the review, parallels are drawn for using EVs as biomarkers for various disorders, evaluating their utility in early detection and monitoring. Additionally, we discuss the promising prospects of utilizing EVs in targeted therapy while acknowledging the existing limitations and challenges associated with their applications in clinical scenarios. A foundational comprehension of the current state-of-the-art in EV research is essential for informing the design of future studies.

Exosomes; multifaceted nanoplatform for targeting brain cancers

At the moment, anaplastic changes within the brain are challenging due to the complexity of neural tissue, leading to the inefficiency of therapeutic protocols. The existence of a cellular interface, namely the blood-brain barrier (BBB), restricts the entry of several macromolecules and therapeutic agents into the brain. To date, several nano-based platforms have been used in laboratory settings and in vivo conditions to overcome the barrier properties of BBB. Exosomes (Exos) are one-of-a-kind of extracellular vesicles with specific cargo to modulate cell bioactivities in a paracrine manner. Regarding unique physicochemical properties and easy access to various biofluids, Exos provide a favorable platform for drug delivery and therapeutic purposes. Emerging data have indicated that Exos enable brain penetration of selective cargos such as bioactive factors and chemotherapeutic compounds. Along with these statements, the application of smart delivery approaches can increase delivery efficiency and thus therapeutic outcomes. Here, we highlighted the recent advances in the application of Exos in the context of brain tumors.

Exosomes in Neuroblastoma Biology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Neuroblastoma is an extracranial solid tumour of the developing sympathetic nervous system accounting for circa 15% of deaths due to cancer in paediatric patients. The clinical course of this cancer may be variable, ranging from aggressive progression to regression, while the amplification of MYCN in this cancer is linked to poor patient prognosis. Extracellular vesicles are a double membrane encapsulating various cellular components including proteins and nucleic acids and comprise exosomes, apoptotic bodies, and microvesicles. The former can act as mediators between cancer, stromal and immune cells and thereby influence the tumour microenvironment by the delivery of their molecular cargo. In this study, the contribution of extracellular vesicles including exosomes to the biology, prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of neuroblastoma was catalogued, summarised and discussed. The understanding of these processes may facilitate the in-depth dissection of the complexity of neuroblastoma biology, mechanisms of regression or progression, and potential diagnostic and treatment options for this paediatric cancer which will ultimately improve the quality of life of neuroblastoma patients.

Microparticles from Hyperphosphatemia-Stimulated Endothelial Cells Promote Vascular Calcification Through Astrocyte-Elevated Gene-1

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) can be released in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Plasma concentration of high inorganic phosphate (HP) is considered as a decisive determinant of vascular calcification in CKD. We therefore explored the role of HP-induced EMPs (HP-EMPs) in the vascular calcification and its potential mechanism. We observed the shape of HP-EMPs captured by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) dynamically changed from rare dots, rosettes, to semicircle or circle. Our results demonstrated that HP-EMPs could directly promote VSMC calcification, or accelerate HP-induced calcification through signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3)/bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) signaling pathway. AEG-1 activity was increased through HP-EMPs-induced VSMC calcification, in arteries from uremic rats, or from uremic rats treated with HP-EMPs. AEG-1 deficiency blocked, whereas AEG-1 overexpression exacerbated, the calcium deposition of VSMCs. AEG-1, a target of miR-153-3p, could be suppressed by agomiR-153-3p. Notably, VSMC-specific enhance of miR-153-3p by tail vein injection of aptamer-agomiR-153-3p decreased calcium deposition in both uremia rats treated with HP-EMPs or not. HP-EMPs could directly induce VSMCs calcification and accelerate Pi-induced calcification, and AEG-1 may act as crucial regulator of HP-EMPs-induced vascular calcification. This study sheds light on the therapeutic agents that influence HP-EMPs production or AEG-1 activity, which may be of benefit to treat vascular calcification.

Application of exosomes for the alleviation of COVID-19-related pathologies

The pandemic of COVID‐19 caused worldwide concern. Due to the lack of appropriate medications and the inefficiency of commercially available vaccines, lots of efforts are being made to develop de novo therapeutic modalities. Besides this, the possibility of several genetic mutations in the viral genome has led to the generation of resistant strains such as Omicron against neutralizing antibodies and vaccines, leading to worsening public health status. Exosomes (Exo), nanosized vesicles, possess several therapeutic properties that participate in intercellular communication. The discovery and application of Exo in regenerative medicine have paved the way for the alleviation of several pathologies. These nanosized particles act as natural bioshuttles and transfer several biomolecules and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. To date, several approaches are available for the administration of Exo into the targeted site inside the body, although the establishment of standard administration routes remains unclear. As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 primarily affects the respiratory system, we here tried to highlight the transplantation of Exo in the alleviation of COVID‐19 pathologies.

Exosomes (Exo) are nanosized vesicles that are released from each cell type and can transfer therapeutic molecules to the injured sites. It has been shown that Exo therapy circumvents difficulties that are associated with whole cell‐based therapies. Due to recent advances in the field of Exo‐based therapies, the current review article highlighted recent data and the applicability of Exo during viral diseases such as COVID‐19. The mechanism action and superiority of Exo were also debated in detail.

Emerging role of exosomes in the pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases; destructive and therapeutic properties

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known as the third leading cause of human death globally. Enhanced chronic inflammation and pathological remodeling are the main consequences of COPD, leading to decreased life span. Histological and molecular investigations revealed that prominent immune cell infiltration and release of several cytokines contribute to progressive chronic remodeling. Recent investigations have revealed that exosomes belonging to extracellular vesicles are involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. It has been elucidated that exosomes secreted from immune cells are eligible to carry numerous pro-inflammatory factors exacerbating the pathological conditions. Here, in this review article, we have summarized various and reliable information about the negative role of immune cell-derived exosomes in the remodeling of pulmonary tissue and airways destruction in COPD patients.

Exosomes: Biological Pharmaceutical Nanovectors for Theranostics

Exosomes are natural cell-derived nanovesicles of endocytic origin that enable cellular crosstalk by transferring encapsulated molecular cargos across biological barriers, thereby holding significantly complex implications in the etiology and progression of diverse disease states. Consequently, the development of exosomes-based nano-theranostic strategies has received immense consideration for advancing therapeutic interventions and disease prognosis. Their favorable biopharmaceutical properties make exosomes a unique nanoparticulate carrier for pharmaceutical drug delivery. This review provides an update on the contemporary strategies utilizing exosomes for theranostic applications in nanomedicine. In addition, we provide a synopsis of exosomal features and insights into strategic modifications that control in vivo biodistribution. We further discuss their opportunities, merits and pitfalls for cell/tissue targeted drug delivery in personalized nanotherapy.

Inhibitory effects of gallic acid on the activity of exosomal secretory pathway in breast cancer cell lines: A possible anticancer impact

Introduction: Breast cancer cells produce exosomes that promote tumorigenesis. The anticancer properties of gallic acid have been reported. However, the mechanism underlying its anticancer effect on the exosomal secretory pathway is still unclear. We investigated the effect of gallic acid on exosome biogenesis in breast cancer cell lines. Methods: The cytotoxic effect of gallic acid on MCF-10a, MCF-7, and MDA-MD-231 cells was measured by MTT assay after 48 hours treatment. Expression of miRNAs including miRNA-21, -155, and 182 as well as exosomal genes such as Rab27a, b, Rab11, Alix, and CD63; along with HSP-70 (autophagy gene), was determined using Q-PCR. The subcellular distribution of it was monitored by flow cytometry analysis. Isolated exosomes were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopes and flow cytometry. Acetylcholinesterase activity is used to measure the number of exosomes in supernatants. In addition, autophagy markers including LC3 and P62 were measured by ELISA. Results: Data showed that gallic acid was cytotoxic to cells (P < 0.05). Gallic acid modulated expression of miRNAs and down-regulated transcript levels of exosomal genes and up-regulated the HSP-70 gene in three cell lines (P < 0.05). The surface CD63/total CD63 ratio as well as acetylcholinesterase activity decreased in treated cells (P < 0.05). The protein level of LC3 was increased in three cell lines, while the expression of P62 increased in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. Conclusion: Together, gallic acid decreased the activity of the exosomal secretory pathway in breast cancer cell lines, providing evidence for its anti-cancer effects.

Lipid-Based Nanovesicular Drug Delivery Systems

In designing a new drug, considering the preferred route of administration, various requirements must be fulfilled. Active molecules pharmacokinetics should be reliable with a valuable drug profile as well as well-tolerated. Over the past 20 years, nanotechnologies have provided alternative and complementary solutions to those of an exclusively pharmaceutical chemical nature since scientists and clinicians invested in the optimization of materials and methods capable of regulating effective drug delivery at the nanometer scale. Among the many drug delivery carriers, lipid nano vesicular ones successfully support clinical candidates approaching such problems as insolubility, biodegradation, and difficulty in overcoming the skin and biological barriers such as the blood-brain one. In this review, the authors discussed the structure, the biochemical composition, and the drug delivery applications of lipid nanovesicular carriers, namely, niosomes, proniosomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, pharmacosomes, ufasomes, phytosomes, catanionic vesicles, and extracellular vesicles.

Exosomes derived from inflammatory myoblasts promote M1 polarization and break the balance of myoblast proliferation/differentiation

BACKGROUND

Acute muscle injuries are one of the most common injuries in sports. Severely injured muscles are prone to re-injury due to fibrotic scar formation caused by prolonged inflammation. How to regulate inflammation and suppress fibrosis is the focus of promoting muscle healing. Recent studies have found that myoblasts and macrophages play important roles in the inflammatory phase following muscle injury; however, the crosstalk between these two types of cells in the inflammatory environment, particularly the exosome-related mechanisms, had not been well studied.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of exosomes from inflammatory C2C12 myoblasts (IF-C2C12-Exos) on macrophage polarization and myoblast proliferation/differentiation.

METHODS

A model of inflammation was established in vitro by lipopolysaccharide stimulation of myoblasts. C2C12-Exos were isolated and purified from the supernatant of myoblasts by gradient centrifugation. Multiple methods were used to identify the exosomes. Gradient concentrations of IF-C2C12-Exos were added to normal macrophages and myoblasts. PKH67 fluorescence tracing was used to identify the interaction between exosomes and cells. Microscopic morphology, Giemsa stain, and immunofluorescence were carried out for histological analysis. Additionally, ELISA assays, flow cytometry, and western blot were conducted to analyze molecular changes. Moreover, myogenic proliferation was assessed by the BrdU test, scratch assay, and CCK-8 assay.

RESULTS

We found that the PKH-67-marked C2C12-Exos can be endocytosed by both macrophages and myoblasts. IF-C2C12-Exos induced M1 macrophage polarization and suppressed the M2 phenotype in vitro. In addition, these exosomes also stimulated the inflammatory reactions of macrophages. Furthermore, we demonstrated that IF-C2C12-Exos disrupted the balance of myoblast proliferation/differentiation, leading to enhanced proliferation and suppressed fibrogenic/myogenic differentiation.

CONCLUSION

IF-C2C12-Exos can induce M1 polarization, resulting in a sustained and aggravated inflammatory environment that impairs myoblast differentiation, and leads to enhanced myogenic proliferation. These results demonstrate why prolonged inflammation occurs after acute muscle injury and provide a new target for the regulation of muscle regeneration.

Small Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Avenue for Cancer Management

Extracellular vesicles are small membrane particles derived from various cell types. EVs are broadly classified as ectosomes or small extracellular vesicles, depending on their biogenesis and cargoes. Numerous studies have shown that EVs regulate multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. The roles of small extracellular vesicles in cancer growth and metastasis remain to be fully elucidated. As endogenous products, small extracellular vesicles are an ideal drug delivery platform for anticancer agents. However, several aspects of small extracellular vesicle biology remain unclear, hindering the clinical implementation of small extracellular vesicles as biomarkers or anticancer agents. In this review, we summarize the utility of cancer-related small extracellular vesicles as biomarkers to detect early-stage cancers and predict treatment outcomes. We also review findings from preclinical and clinical studies of small extracellular vesicle-based cancer therapies and summarize interventional clinical trials registered in the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry. Finally, we discuss the main challenges limiting the clinical implementation of small extracellular vesicles and recommend possible approaches to address these challenges.

Extracellular Vesicle-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery: Current Advances and Future Perspectives in Cancer Therapeutic Strategies

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are sophisticated and sensitive messengers released by cells to communicate with and influence distant and neighboring cells via selective transfer of bioactive content, including protein lipids and nucleic acids. EVs have therefore attracted broad interest as new and refined potential therapeutic systems in many diseases, including cancer, due to their low immunogenicity, non-toxicity, and elevated bioavailability. They might serve as safe and effective vehicles for the transport of therapeutic molecules to specific tissues and cells. In this review, we focus on EVs as a vehicle for gene therapy in cancer. We describe recent developments in EV engineering to achieve efficient intracellular delivery of cancer therapeutics and avoid off-target effects, to provide an overview of the potential applications of EV-mediated gene therapy and the most promising biomedical advances.

The Biological Function and Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes in Cancer: Exosomes as Efficient Nanocommunicators for Cancer Therapy

Cancer therapeutics must be delivered to their targets for improving efficacy and reducing toxicity, though they encounter physiological barriers in the tumor microenvironment. They also face limitations associated with genetic instability and dynamic changes of surface proteins in cancer cells. Nanosized exosomes generated from the endosomal compartment, however, transfer their cargo to the recipient cells and mediate the intercellular communication, which affects malignancy progression, tumor immunity, and chemoresistance. In this review, we give an overview of exosomes' biological aspects and therapeutic potential as diagnostic biomarkers and drug delivery vehicles for oncotherapy. Furthermore, we discuss whether exosomes could contribute to personalized cancer immunotherapy drug design as efficient nanocommunicators.

Exosomes as drug carriers for cancer therapy and challenges regarding exosome uptake

With the development of biomedicine, exosomes are rapidly developing as a new therapy for tumors. As biological carriers, exosomes possess biological activity and can transport their contents between cells. The contents are natural or artificially loaded with biomolecules or chemical drugs. Exosomes deliver biomolecules or chemical drugs into the pathological sites of recipient, which can effectively inhibit the progression of tumors. However, the treatments of tumors through the delivery of exosomes are not sufficiently accurate or efficient, and various challenges need to be overcome. Exosomes from different cell sources possess different characteristics, as well as different specificity for various cells. In the future, for the promotion and application of exosomes, it is of great significance to understand how to select appropriate exosomes loaded with biomolecules or chemical drugs for different tumors types, and how to deliver exosomes to recipient cells accurately and efficiently. This review introduces the application and challenges of exosomes as delivery carriers in tumors.

The Role of Bone-Derived Exosomes in Regulating Skeletal Metabolism and Extraosseous Diseases

Bone-derived exosomes are naturally existing nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells, such as bone marrow stromal cells, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, containing multifarious proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Accumulating evidence indicates that bone-derived exosomes are involved in the regulation of skeletal metabolism and extraosseous diseases through modulating intercellular communication and the transfer of materials. Following the development of research, we found that exosomes can be considered as a potential candidate as a drug delivery carrier thanks to its ability to transport molecules into targeted cells with high stability, safety, and efficiency. This review aims to discuss the emerging role of bone-derived exosomes in skeletal metabolism and extraosseous diseases as well as their potential role as candidate biomarkers or for developing new therapeutic strategies.

Exosome-mediated siRNA delivery to suppress postoperative breast cancer metastasis

High recurrence and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) after operation is a leading cause of breast cancer related death. The pre-metastatic niche (PMN) is an environment in a secondary organ conducive to the metastasis of a primary tumor. Herein, we identify exosomes from autologous breast cancer cells that show effective lung targeting ability. Based on this, we developed the biomimetic nanoparticles (cationic bovine serum albumin (CBSA) conjugated siS100A4 and exosome membrane coated nanoparticles, CBSA/siS100A4@Exosome) to improve drug delivery to the lung PMN. CBSA/siS100A4@Exosome self-assembled nanoparticles formed homogeneous sizes of ~200 nm, protected siRNA from degradation, and showed excellent biocompatibility. Further in vivo studies showed that CBSA/siS100A4@Exosome had a higher affinity toward lung in comparison to the CBSA/siS100A4@Liposome, and exhibited outstanding gene-silencing effects that significantly inhibited the growth of malignant breast cancer cells. Taken together, these results indicate that CBSA/siS100A4@Exosome self-assembled nanoparticles are a promising strategy to suppress postoperative breast cancer metastasis.

Low level electricity increases the secretion of extracellular vesicles from cultured cells

Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles, can be collected from the conditioned medium of cultured cells, and are expected to be used in disease therapy and drug delivery systems. However, since the yield of exosomes from conditioned medium is generally low, investigations to develop new methods to increase exosome secretion and to elucidate the secretion mechanism have been performed. Our previous studies demonstrated that activation of intracellular signaling including Rho GTPase and subsequent endocytosis of extraneous molecules in cells could be induced by low level electricity (0.3–0.5 mA/cm²). Since exosomes are produced in the process of endocytosis and secreted by exocytosis via certain signaling pathways, we hypothesized that low level electric treatment (ET) would increase exosome secretion from cultured cells via intracellular signaling activation. In the present study, the influence of ET (0.34 mA/cm²) on extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion from cultured cells was examined by using murine melanoma and murine fibroblast cells. The results showed that the number of EV particles collected by ultracentrifugation was remarkably increased by ET in both cell lines without cellular toxicity or changes in the particle distribution. Also, protein amounts of the collected EVs were significantly increased in both cells by ET without alteration of expression of representative exosome marker proteins. Moreover, in both cells, the ratio of particle numbers to protein amount was not significantly changed by ET. Rho GTPase inhibition significantly suppressed ET-mediated increase of EV secretion in murine melanoma, indicating that Rho GTPase activation could be involved in ET-mediated EV secretion in the cell. Additionally, there were almost no differences in uptake of each EV into each donor cell regardless of whether the cells had been exposed to ET for EV collection. Taken together, these results suggest that ET could increase EV secretion from both cancer and normal cells without apparent changes in EV quality.

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Low level electric treatment (ET; 0.34 mA/cm²) increased exosome yield from cells.

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The number of exosome particles was increased by ET without distribution changes.

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ET increased protein amounts of the collected exosomes from conditioned media.

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ET did not induce cellular toxicity and change in exosomal marker protein expression.

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ET-mediated increase of exosome secretion occurred in both cancer and normal cells.