Specificities of secretion and uptake of exosomes and other extracellular vesicles for cell-to-cell communication

Exosomes: the next-generation therapeutic platform for ischemic stroke

Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition. Exosomes are natural cell-derived vesicles that mediate signal transduction between cells under physiological and pathological conditions. They have low immunogenicity, good stability, high delivery efficiency, and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. These physiological properties of exosomes have the potential to lead to new breakthroughs in the treatment of ischemic stroke. The rapid development of nanotechnology has advanced the application of engineered exosomes, which can effectively improve targeting ability, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and minimize the dosages needed. Advances in technology have also driven clinical translational research on exosomes. In this review, we describe the therapeutic effects of exosomes and their positive roles in current treatment strategies for ischemic stroke, including their anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, autophagy-regulation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and glial scar formation reduction effects. However, it is worth noting that, despite their significant therapeutic potential, there remains a dearth of standardized characterization methods and efficient isolation techniques capable of producing highly purified exosomes. Future optimization strategies should prioritize the exploration of suitable isolation techniques and the establishment of unified workflows to effectively harness exosomes for diagnostic or therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke. Ultimately, our review aims to summarize our understanding of exosome-based treatment prospects in ischemic stroke and foster innovative ideas for the development of exosome-based therapies.

Exosomes from hypoxic urine-derived stem cells facilitate healing of diabetic wound by targeting SERPINE1 through miR-486-5p

Vascular pathologies and injuries are important factors for the delayed wound healing in diabetes. Previous studies have demonstrated that hypoxic environments could induce formation of new blood vessels by regulating intercellular communication and cellular behaviors. In this study, we have enhanced the angiogenic potential of exosomes by subjecting urine-derived stem cells (USCs) to hypoxic preconditioning. To prolong the retention of exosomes at the wound site, we have also engineered a novel dECM hydrogel termed SISMA, which was modified from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS). For its rapid and controllable gelation kinetics, excellent biocompatibility, and exosome release capability, the SISMA hydrogel has proven to be a reliable delivery vehicle for exosomes. The hypoxia-induced exosomes-loaded hydrogel has promoted endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. More importantly, as evidenced by significant in vivo vascular regeneration in the early stages post-injury, it has facilitated tissue repair. This may because miR-486-5p in H-exo inhibit SERPINE1 activity in endothelial cell. Additionally, miRNA sequencing analysis suggested that the underlying mechanism for enhanced angiogenesis may be associated with the activation of classical HIF-1α signaling pathway. In summary, our study has presented a novel non-invasive, cell-free therapeutic approach for accelerating diabetes wound healing and development of a practical and efficient exosomes delivery platform.

Protein profile in urinary extracellular vesicles is a marker of malignancy and correlates with muscle invasiveness in urinary bladder cancer

Urinary Bladder Cancer (UBC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, has a high recurrence rate and unpredictable treatment responses. Thus, biomarkers are urgently needed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from both cancer- and immune cells and provide a snapshot of the originating cell. They are abundant in urine and are therefore candidate biomarkers for UBC. Isolated urinary EVs from 39 UBC patients were compared with EVs from healthy controls, prostate cancer patients and whole urine. Samples were from bladder urine at time of both transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURB) and cystectomy, as well as urine taken from the ureter at cystectomy. EVs were isolated by tangential flow filtration and differential ultracentrifugation and their protein composition was detected by Proximity Extension Assay (PEA; Olink, immuno-oncology panel). In UBC patients, the proteomic signature of bladder urine EVs differed from ureter urine EVs from the same individuals, and from bladder urine derived EVs of both healthy and prostate cancer controls. Pairwise comparison was performed with matched whole urine revealing proteins solely detected in isolated vesicles. Additionally, a distinct signature was identified in bladder urine EVs correlating with muscle invasiveness, and a trained classifier could predict UBC with 92 % accuracy. Some differentially expressed proteins, HO-1 and MMP7, were analysed by bead-based flow cytometry, where HO-1 was detected on the EV surface. Taken together, these results strengthen the rationale of using EVs as non-invasive biomarkers and prognostic tools for UBC.

Exosomal ncRNAs in liquid biopsies for lung cancer

Exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have become essential contributors to advancing and treating lung cancers (LCs). The development of liquid biopsies that utilize exosomal ncRNAs (exo-ncRNAs) offers an encouraging method for diagnosing, predicting, and treating LC. This thorough overview examines the dual function of exo-ncRNAs as both indicators for early diagnosis and avenues for LC treatment. Exosomes are tiny vesicles secreted by various cells, including cancerous cells, enabling connection between cells by delivering ncRNAs. These ncRNAs, which encompass circular RNAs, long ncRNAs, and microRNAs, participate in the modulation of gene expression and cellular functions. In LC, certain exo-ncRNAs are linked to tumour advancement, spread, and treatment resistance, positioning them as promising non-invasive indicators in liquid biopsies. Additionally, targeting these ncRNAs offers potential for innovative treatment approaches, whether by suppressing harmful ncRNAs or reinstating the activity of tumour-suppressing ones. This review emphasizes recent developments in the extraction and analysis of exo-ncRNAs, their practical applications in LC treatment, and the challenges and prospects for translating these discoveries into clinical usage. Through this detailed examination of the current state of the art, we aim to highlight the significant potential of exo-ncRNAs for LC diagnostics and treatments.

Exploring the potential of plasma and adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as novel platforms for neuroinflammation therapy

Persistent reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neuroinflammation contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the need for targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, ability to cross biological barriers, and specific interactions with cell and tissue receptors. In this study, we demonstrated that human plasma-derived EVs (pEVs) exhibit higher brain-targeting specificity, while adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells EVs (ADMSC-EVs) offer regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. We further investigated the potential of these EVs as therapeutic carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, using Donepezil (DNZ) as the model drug. DNZ, a cholinesterase inhibitor commonly used for Alzheimer's disease (AD), also has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The size of EVs used ranged from 50 to 300 nm with a surface charge below -30 mV. Both formulations showed rapid cellular internalization, without toxicity, and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a zebrafish model. The have analyzed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of pEVs-DNZ and ADMSC-EVs-DNZ in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ADMSC-EVs significantly reduced the inflammatory mediators released by HMC3 microglial cells while treatment with pEVs-DNZ and ADMSC-EVs-DNZ lowered both phagocytic activity and ROS levels in these cells. In vivo experiments using zebrafish larvae revealed that both EV formulations reduced microglial proliferation and exhibited antioxidant effects. Overall, this study highlights the potential of EVs loaded with DNZ as a novel approach for treating neuroinflammation underlying various neurodegenerative diseases.

Plasma extracellular vesicles regulate the Functions of Th2 and ILC2 cells via miRNA-150-5p in patients with allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a chronic airway inflammation, has witnessed a rising prevalence in recent decades. Recent research indicates that various EVs are released into plasma in allergic airway inflammation, correlating with impaired airway function and severe inflammation. However, the contribution of plasma EVs to AR pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. We isolated plasma EVs using differential ultracentrifugation or size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and obtained differential microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles through miRNA sequencing. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were exposed to plasma EVs and miRNA mimics and inhibitors to assess the effect of plasma EVs and the underlying mechanisms. We found that EVs from HC and AR patients exhibited comparable characteristics in terms of concentration, structure, and EV marker expression. AR-EVs significantly enhanced Th2 cell levels and promoted ILC2 differentiation and IL-13+ ILC2 levels compared to HC-EVs. Both HC-EVs and AR-EVs were efficiently internalized by CD4+ T cells and ILCs. miRNA sequencing of AR-EVs revealed unique miRNA signatures implicated in diverse biological processes, among which miR-150-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-10a-5p, and miR-10b-5p were identified as pivotal contributors to AR-EVs' effects on CD4+ T cells and ILC2s. MiR-150-5p exhibited the most pronounced impact on cell differentiation and was confirmed to be upregulated in AR-EVs by PCR. In total, our study demonstrated that plasma EVs from patients with AR exhibited a pronounced capacity to significantly enhance the differentiation of Th2 cells and ILC2, which was correlated with an elevated expression of miR-150-5p within AR-EVs. These findings contribute to the advancement of our comprehension of EVs in the pathogenesis of AR and hold the potential to unveil novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of AR.

Role of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of mosquito-borne flaviviruses that impact public health

Mosquito-borne flaviviruses represent a public health challenge due to the high-rate endemic infections, severe clinical outcomes, and the potential risk of emerging global outbreaks. Flavivirus disease pathogenesis converges on cellular factors from vectors and hosts, and their interactions are still unclear. Exosomes and microparticles are extracellular vesicles released from cells that mediate the intercellular communication necessary for maintaining homeostasis; however, they have been shown to be involved in disease establishment and progression. This review focuses on the roles of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of mosquito-borne flavivirus diseases: how they contribute to viral cycle completion, cell-to-cell transmission, and cellular responses such as inflammation, immune suppression, and evasion, as well as their potential use as biomarkers or therapeutics (antiviral or vaccines). We highlight the current findings concerning the functionality of extracellular vesicles in different models of dengue virus, Zika virus, yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus infections and diseases. The available evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles mediate diverse functions between hosts, constituting novel effectors for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of flaviviral diseases.

Blood-derived APLP1+ extracellular vesicles are potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of brain diseases

The early detection of neurodegenerative diseases necessitates the identification of specific brain-derived biomolecules in peripheral blood. In this context, our investigation delineates the role of amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1)-a protein predominantly localized in oligodendrocytes and neurons-as a previously unidentified biomarker in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Through rigorous analysis, APLP1+ EVs from human sera were unequivocally determined to be of cerebral origin. This assertion was corroborated by distinctive small RNA expression patterns of APLP1+ EVs. The miRNAs' putative targets within these EVs manifested pronounced expression in the brain, fortifying their neurospecific provenance. We subjected our findings to stringent validation using Thy-1 GFP M line mice, transgenic models wherein GFP expression is confined to hippocampal neurons. An amalgamation of these results with an exhaustive data analysis accentuates the potential of APLP1+ EVs as cerebrally originated biomarkers. Synthesizing our findings, APLP1+ EVs are postulated not merely as diagnostic markers but as seminal entities shaping the future trajectory of neurodegenerative disease diagnostics.

Dihuang Yinzi Improves Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment by Regulating Plasma Exosome-Derived BDNF

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dihuang Drink (DHD), formulated by Liu Hejian during the Yuan Dynasty, is listed as one of the first ancient classical prescriptions by the National Medical Products Administration of China. It is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study further investigates the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of DHD in AD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the cognitive improvement effects of DHD on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory impairment in mice and to explore its anti-AD mechanisms mediated by exosomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cognitive impairment model was established in C57BL/6J mice via intraperitoneal injection of SCOP (1 mg/kg) for 21 consecutive days, followed by DHD intervention to assess its effects on learning, memory, hippocampal synaptic density, and the cholinergic system. SD rats were gavaged with DHD (22.00 g/kg) for 7 days, and plasma exosomes were extracted. These exosomes were injected into SCOP-treated mice (2 mg/kg, every other day for 14 days, 7 injections) to verify the role of exosomes in improving cognitive function. Behavioral performance and brain ChAT and BDNF levels were measured.

RESULTS

DHD improved learning and memory in SCOP model mice, attenuated neuronal loss and decreases in dendritic spines induced by scopolamine, and modulated the expression of BDNF, SYN-1, PSD95, and M1 mAChR. DHD-derived plasma exosomes further enhanced learning and memory function and significantly increased brain ChAT activity and BDNF levels.

CONCLUSIONS

DHD may alleviate cognitive impairment in SCOP model mice, potentially through exosome-mediated neuroprotection.

Decorin-mediated dermal papilla cell-derived exosomes regulate hair follicle growth and development through miR-129-2-3p/SMAD3/TGF-β axis

Decorin (DCN) is a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family within the extracellular matrix, playing a role in the growth and development of hair follicle (HF). Exosomes serve as significant mediators of intercellular communication and are involved in the cyclic regeneration of HF. Exosomes derived from dermal papilla cells (DPC-Exos) are essential for the cycling and regrowth of HF. The present study demonstrated that DCN treatment significantly enhances the proliferation of DPCs, thereby promoting hair follicle growth. miRNA sequencing revealed 442 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs. The regulatory mechanism of exosomal miR-129-2-3p, an up-regulated differential miRNA, was further investigated. The study identified its role in transporting DPCs to HFSCs through DPC-Exos. miR-129-2-3p has been shown to suppress the expression of genes associated with HF growth and development, lower the expression of genes and proteins downstream of the TGF-β signaling pathway, promote HFSC proliferation, and decrease HFSC apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-129-2-3p displayed an antagonistic effect on activating the TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling pathway induced by SRI-011381. The findings indicate that DCN-mediated DPC-Exos influence HF growth and development through the miR-129-2-3p/SMAD3/TGF-β regulatory axis. These results may facilitate novel strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of human hair disorders, in addition to enhancing industrial wool production.

Red Blood Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Inhibit Influenza Virus through Surface-Displayed Sialic Acids

Disrupting the conserved multivalent binding of hemagglutinin (HA) on influenza A virus (IAV) to sialic acids (SAs) on the host cell membrane offers a robust strategy to block viral attachment and infection, irrespective of antigenic evolution or drug resistance. In this study, we exploit red blood cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (RBC sEVs) as nanodecoys by harnessing their high abundance of surface-displayed SAs to interact with IAV through multivalent HA-SA interactions. This high-avidity binding inhibits viral adhesion to the cell surface, effectively preventing both attachment and infection in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, enzymatic removal of SAs from RBC sEVs significantly diminishes their anti-IAV efficacy. Our findings indicate that RBC sEVs possess intrinsic anti-IAV properties due to their native multivalent SAs and hold considerable promise as antiviral therapeutics.

Known and unknown: Exosome secretion in tumor microenvironment needs more exploration

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles originating from endosomes, were discovered in the late 1980s and their function in intercellular communication has since garnered considerable interest. Exosomes are lipid bilayer-coated vesicles that range in size from 30 to 150 nm and appear as sacs under the electron microscope. Exosome secretion is crucial for cell-to-cell contact in both normal physiology and the development and spread of tumors. Furthermore, cancer cells can secrete more exosomes than normal cells. Scientists believe that intercellular communication in the complex tissue environment of the human body is an important reason for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. For example, some particles containing regulatory molecules are secreted in the tumor microenvironment, including exosomes. Then the contents of exosomes can be released by donor cells into the environment and interact with recipient cells to promote the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the biogenesis of exosome, as well as exosome cargo and related roles. More importantly, this review introduces and discusses the factors that have been reported to affect exosome secretion in tumors and highlights the important role of exosomes in tumors.

Characterization of the functional component in human milk and identification of the molecular mechanisms undergoing prematurity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Human milk (HM) is the earliest form of extrauterine communication between mother and infant, that could promote early programming. The aim of this study is to look for specific biological processes, particularly those undergoing prematurity, modulated by proteins and miRNAs of HM that could be implicated in growth and development.

METHODS

This is a prospective, observational, single center study in which we collected 48 human milk (HM) samples at two distinct stages of lactation: colostrum (first 72-96 h) and mature milk (at week 4 post-delivery) from mothers of very preterm newborns (<32 weeks) and term (≥37 and < 42 weeks). Qualitative and quantitative proteomic and transcriptomic analysis was done in our samples.

RESULTS

We performed isolation and characterization of HM extracellular vesicles (EVs) to carry out proteomic and transcriptomic analysis in colostrum (CM) and mature milk (MM). Proteomic analysis revealed a functional role of CM in immunological protection and MM in metabolic processes. TENA, TSP1 and OLF4, proteins with roles in immune response and inflammatory modulation, were upregulated in CM vs MM, particularly in preterm. HM modulation differed depending on gestational age (GA). The miRNAs identified in HM are implicated in structural functions, including growth and neurological development. miRNA-451a was differentially expressed between groups, and downregulated in preterm CM.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the particularities of each GA are reflected in the EVs content of HM, providing newborns with HM from their own mother is the optimal way for satisfying their specific needs. Although the role of the proteomic profile of CM and MM of different GA in relation to neurodevelopment has been previously described, this is the first study to show a complete functional characterization of HM (proteome, miRNA at the same time), unmasking the molecular mechanisms related to EVs signaling and their functional role in preterm.

Small extracellular vesicles derived from cerebral endothelial cells with elevated microRNA 27a promote ischemic stroke recovery

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00030/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Axonal remodeling is a critical aspect of ischemic brain repair processes and contributes to spontaneous functional recovery. Our previous in vitro study demonstrated that exosomes/small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) isolated from cerebral endothelial cells (CEC-sEVs) of ischemic brain promote axonal growth of embryonic cortical neurons and that microRNA 27a (miR-27a) is an elevated miRNA in ischemic CEC-sEVs. In the present study, we investigated whether normal CEC-sEVs engineered to enrich their levels of miR-27a (27a-sEVs) further enhance axonal growth and improve neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke when compared with treatment with non-engineered CEC-sEVs. 27a-sEVs were isolated from the conditioned medium of healthy mouse CECs transfected with a lentiviral miR-27a expression vector. Small EVs isolated from CECs transfected with a scramble vector (Scra-sEVs) were used as a control. Adult male mice were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion and then were randomly treated with 27a-sEVs or Scra-sEVs. An array of behavior assays was used to measure neurological function. Compared with treatment of ischemic stroke with Scra-sEVs, treatment with 27a-sEVs significantly augmented axons and spines in the peri-infarct zone and in the corticospinal tract of the spinal grey matter of the denervated side, and significantly improved neurological outcomes. In vitro studies demonstrated that CEC-sEVs carrying reduced miR-27a abolished 27a-sEV-augmented axonal growth. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that 27a-sEVs systemically administered preferentially localized to the pre-synaptic active zone, while quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot analysis showed elevated miR-27a, and reduced axonal inhibitory proteins Semaphorin 6A and Ras Homolog Family Member A in the peri-infarct zone. Blockage of the Clathrin-dependent endocytosis pathway substantially reduced neuronal internalization of 27a-sEVs. Our data provide evidence that 27a-sEVs have a therapeutic effect on stroke recovery by promoting axonal remodeling and improving neurological outcomes. Our findings also suggest that suppression of axonal inhibitory proteins such as Semaphorin 6A may contribute to the beneficial effect of 27a-sEVs on axonal remodeling.

Inflammatory pain resolution by mouse serum-derived small extracellular vesicles

Current treatments for chronic pain have limited efficacy and significant side effects, warranting research on alternative strategies for pain management. One approach involves using small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), or exosomes, to transport beneficial biomolecular cargo to aid pain resolution. Exosomes are 30-150 nm sEVs that can be beneficial or harmful depending on their source and cargo composition. We report a comprehensive multi-modal analysis of different aspects of sEV characterization, miRNAs, and protein markers across sEV sources. To investigate the short- and long-term effects of mouse serum-derived sEVs in pain modulation, sEVs from naïve control or spared nerve injury (SNI) model male donor mice were injected intrathecally into naïve male recipient mice. These sEVs transiently increased basal mechanical thresholds, an effect mediated by opioid signaling as this outcome was blocked by naltrexone. Mass spectrometry of sEVs detected endogenous opioid peptide leu-enkephalin. sEVs from naïve female mice have higher levels of leu-enkephalin compared to male, matching the analgesic onset of leu-enkephalin in male recipient mice. In investigating the long-term effect of sEVs, we observed that a single prophylactic intrathecal injection of sEVs two weeks prior to induction of the pain model in recipient mice accelerated recovery from inflammatory pain after complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection. Our exploratory studies examining immune cell populations in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion using ChipCytometry suggested alterations in immune cell populations 14 days post-CFA. Flow cytometry confirmed increases in CD206+ macrophages in the spinal cord in sEV-treated mice. Collectively, these studies demonstrate multiple mechanisms by which sEVs can attenuate pain.

Extracellular vesicles as emerging players in glaucoma: Mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets

In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted significant scientific interest due to their widespread distribution, their potential as disease biomarkers, and their promising applications in therapy. Encapsulated by lipid bilayers these nanovesicles include small extracellular vesicles (sEV) (30-150 nm), microvesicles (100-1000 nm), and apoptotic bodies (100-5000 nm) and are essential for cellular communication, immune responses, biomolecular transport, and physiological regulation. As they reflect the condition and functionality of their originating cells, EVs play critical roles in numerous physiological processes and diseases. Therefore, EVs offer valuable opportunities for uncovering disease mechanisms, enhancing drug delivery systems, and identifying novel biomarkers. In the context of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, the specific roles of EVs are still largely unexplored. This review examines the emerging role of EVs in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, with a focus on their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. Through a thorough analysis of current literature, we summarize key advancements in EV research and identify areas where further investigation is needed to fully understand their function in glaucoma.

Neuroendocrine gene subsets are uniquely dysregulated in prostate adenocarcinoma

Prostate cancer has heterogeneous growth patterns, and its prognosis is the poorest when it progresses to a neuroendocrine phenotype. Using bioinformatic analysis, we evaluated RNA expression of neuroendocrine genes in a panel of five different cancer types: prostate adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, kidney chromophobe, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma. Our results show that specific neuroendocrine genes are significantly dysregulated in these tumors, suggesting that they play an active role in cancer progression. Among others, synaptophysin (SYP), a conventional neuroendocrine marker, is upregulated in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) and breast cancer (BRCA). Our analysis shows that SYP is enriched in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from plasma of PRAD patients, but it is absent in sEVs derived from plasma of healthy donors. Similarly, classical sEV markers are enriched in sEVs derived from plasma of prostate cancer patients, but weakly detectable in sEVs derived from plasma of healthy donors. Overall, our results pave the way to explore new strategies to diagnose these diseases based on the neuroendocrine gene expression in patient tumors or plasma sEVs.

Loading of Extracellular Vesicles with Nucleic Acids via Hybridization with Non-Lamellar Liquid Crystalline Lipid Nanoparticles

The translation of cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) into biogenic gene delivery systems is limited by relatively inefficient loading strategies. In this work, the loading of various nucleic acids into small EVs via their spontaneous hybridization with preloaded non-lamellar liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LCNPs), forming hybrid EVs (HEVs) is described. It is demonstrated that LCNPs undergo pH-dependent structural transitions from inverse hexagonal (HII) phases at pH 5 to more disordered non-lamellar phases, possibly inverse micellar (L2) or sponge (L3) phases, at pH 7.4, which are particularly suitable for inducing a controlled hybridization process with EVs. State-of-the-art single-particle analysis techniques reveal that LCNPs interact with various EV subpopulations at physiological conditions and that ≈40% of HEVs are loaded with the genetic cargo. Importantly, this study demonstrates that EV membrane proteins remain accessible on HEV surfaces, with their intrinsic enzymatic activity unaffected after the hybridization process. Finally, HEVs show in vitro improved transfection efficiencies compared to unhybridized LCNPs. In summary, this versatile platform holds potential for loading various nucleic acid molecules into native EVs and may help developing EV-based therapeutics.

Bone aging and extracellular vesicles

Bone aging, a major global health concern, is the natural decline in bone mass and strength. Concurrently, extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny membrane-bound particles produced by cells, have gained recognition for their roles in various physiological processes and age-related diseases. The interaction between EVs and bone aging is of growing interest, particularly their effects on bone metabolism, which become increasingly critical with advancing age. In this review, we explored the biology, types, and functions of EVs and emphasized their regulatory roles in bone aging. We examined the effects of EVs on bone metabolism and highlighted their potential as biomarkers for monitoring bone aging progression. Furthermore, we discussed the therapeutic applications of EVs, including targeted drug delivery and bone regeneration, and addressed the challenges associated with EV-based therapies, including the technical complexities and regulatory issues. We summarized the current research and clinical trials investigating the role of EVs in bone aging and suggested future research directions. These include the potential for personalized medicine using EVs and the integration of EV research with advanced technologies to enhance the management of age-related bone health. This analysis emphasized the transformative potential of EVs in understanding and managing bone aging, thereby marking a significant advancement in skeletal health research.

Rice extracellular vesicles send defense proteins into fungus Rhizoctonia solani to reduce disease

The exchange of molecular information across kingdoms is crucial for the survival of both plants and their pathogens. Recent research has identified that plants transfer their small RNAs and microRNAs into fungal pathogens to suppress infection. However, whether and how plants send defense proteins into pathogens remains unknown. Here, we report that rice (Oryza sativa) plants package defense proteins into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and deliver them to the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. These EVs, enriched with host defense proteins, are internalized by the fungal cells. Reducing the transfer of host defense proteins via EVs results in increased disease susceptibility. Furthermore, the overexpression of host defense proteins in either rice plants or the fungal cells reduced the infection. Therefore, plants use EVs to send defense proteins into fungal pathogens, thereby combating infection. This mechanism represents a form of protein exchange between plants and pathogens, which contributes to reducing crop diseases.

A novel biomarker of COVI-19: MMP8 emerged by integrated bulk RNAseq and single-cell sequencing

COVID-19 has been emerging as the most influential illness which has caused great costs to the heath of population and social economy. Sivelestat sodium (SS) is indicated as an effective cure for lung dysfunction, a characteristic symptom of COVID-19 infection, but its pharmacological target is still unclear. Therefore, a deep understanding of the pathological progression and molecular alteration is an urgent issue for settling the diagnosis and therapy problems of COVID-19. In this study, the bulk ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) data of healthy donors and non-severe and severe COVID-19 patients were collected. Then, target differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened through integrating sequencing data and the pharmacological database. Besides, with the help of functional and molecular interaction analyses, the potential effect of target gene alteration on COVID-19 progression was investigated. Single-cell sequencing was performed to evaluate the cell distribution of target genes, and the possible interaction of gene-positive cells with other cells was explored by intercellular ligand-receptor pattern analysis. The results showed that matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) was upregulated in severe COVID-19 patients, which was also identified as a targeting site to SS. Additionally, MMP8 took a core part in the regulatory interaction network of the screened DEGs in COVID-19 and was dramatically correlated with the inflammatory signaling pathway. The further investigations indicated that MMP8 was mainly expressed in myelocytes with a high degree of heterogeneity. MMP8-positive myelocytes interacted with other cell types through RETN-TLR4 and RETN-CAP1 ligand-receptor patterns. These findings emphasize the important role of MMP8 in COVID-19 progression and provide a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 patients.

Exosomes derived from primary cartilage stem/progenitor cells promote the repair of osteoarthritic chondrocytes by modulating immune responses

BACKGROUND

Exosomes derived from primary chondrogenic stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs-EXOs) show promise in cartilage repair due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. However, their specific therapeutic potential in osteoarthritis (OA), especially in modulating immune responses and enhancing chondrocyte function, requires further exploration. This study aims to clarify CSPCs-EXOs' effects on OA by investigating their role in chondrocyte proliferation, migration, inflammation inhibition, and cartilage regeneration.

METHODS

A rat model of osteoarthritis was established using monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). CSPCs-EXOs were isolated and characterized before being administered to the OA rats. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways influenced by CSPCs-EXOs. Histopathological evaluation of cartilage tissue, immunohistochemistry, and in vitro assays were performed to assess chondrocyte proliferation, migration, inflammation, and intracellular environmental changes.

RESULTS

CSPCs-EXOs treatment significantly reduced OA-induced cartilage damage, shown by improved histopathological features, increased chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and enhanced cartilage matrix integrity. CSPCs-EXOs uniquely modulated immune pathways and enhanced cellular repair, setting them apart from traditional treatments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed regulation of immune response, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA repair pathways. CSPCs-EXOs downregulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-17) and upregulated pathways for cellular proliferation, migration, and metabolism. They also altered splicing patterns of DNA repair enzymes, indicating a role in boosting repair mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

CSPCs-EXOs promote cartilage repair in osteoarthritis by modulating immune responses, inhibiting inflammation, and improving the intracellular environment. These findings emphasize their innovative therapeutic potential and offer key insights into their regenerative mechanisms, positioning CSPCs-EXOs as a promising strategy for OA treatment and a foundation for future clinical applications in cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Neonatal heart tissue-derived EVs alleviate adult ischemic cardiac injury via regulating the function of macrophages and cardiac regeneration in murine models

Previous studies confirmed the regenerative capacity of the mammalian neonatal heart. We recently found that adult heart tissue-derived EVs can protect the heart from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). However, the role of EVs from neonatal heart tissue in cardiac healing post-ischemia remains unclear. In the present study, we revealed that intramyocardial administration of neonatal cardiac tissue-derived EVs (ncEVs) alleviated cardiac inflammation, mitigated reperfusion injury, and improved cardiac function in murine I/R models. In vitro, ncEVs inhibited M1 polarization of macrophages induced by LPS while up-regulated their phagocytic function via the miR-133a-3p-Ash1l signaling pathway. Moreover, the administration of ncEVs contributed to cardiac angiogenesis and improved cardiac function in murine myocardial infarction models. Collectively, these results suggested that neonatal heart-derived EVs can regulate the function of macrophages and contribute to cardiac regeneration and function recovery in murine cardiac ischemic models. Therefore, the derivatives in neonatal heart tissue-derived EVs might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy in ischemic diseases.

Macrophage-derived exosomal miR-2137 regulates pyroptosis in LPS-induced acute lung injury

BACKGROUND

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play a predominant role in acute lung injury (ALI). However, the role of macrophage-derived exosomal miRNAs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI has not been determined.

METHODS

We previously reported that exosomes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice with ALI were derived predominantly from macrophages. Exosomal small RNA sequencing was conducted to identify the miRNA profiles. Exosomes derived from LPS-induced macrophages (LPS-exos) were intravenously administered to C57BL/6J mice, after which lung injury and pyroptosis were assessed. LPS-exos were cultured with alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) to further validate the results of the animal studies.

RESULTS

LPS-exos promoted lung inflammation and pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro. MiR-2137 was significantly upregulated in both LPS-exos and in MLE-12 cells. LPS-exos reduced cell viability, promoted the expression of LDH and inflammatory cytokines, and exacerbated vacuolization in MLE-12 cells. The administration of miR-2137 mimics and LPS-treated exosomes further strengthened these effects and enhanced pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3, Caspase1, ASC, and GSDMD. MiR-2137 mediated the effects of LPS-exos by targeting Wnt9a in AECs. In addition, the miR-2137 inhibitor markedly decreased the severity of LPS-exo-induced histological lesions, inflammation and pyroptosis in the lung.

CONCLUSION

Exosomal miR-2137 derived from AMs contributes to LPS-induced ALI by inducing AEC pyroptosis through the targeting of Wnt9a to activate the Wnt signaling pathway. This study revealed that AMs and AECs interact in ALI, providing novel strategies for ALI treatment.

Selenoprotein P is a target for regulating extracellular vesicle biogenesis and secretion from activated microglia in vivo

Microglia, brain innate immune cells, participate in the spread of inflammatory signals and aggregated proteins through secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Selenoprotein P (Sepp1) is a potential regulator of microglial EV secretion. Here, we investigate the effect of Sepp1 silencing on microglial transcriptomics to elucidate the Sepp1 regulatory mechanism of EV secretion and validate this effect in APPNL-G-F knockin mice. Silencing of Sepp1 significantly reduces EV secretion and CD63 loading to EVs from BV-2 microglia, as determined by single-vesicle flow cytometry and super-resolution microscopy. Sepp1 deficiency downregulates EV biogenesis machinery, accompanied by increased lysosomal activity and lipid metabolism. Silencing of Sepp1 in astrocytes but not neurons suppresses EV secretion in vitro. Finally, Sepp1 silencing reduces EV secretion from activated neurodegenerative microglia associated with amyloid plaques in APPNL-G-F mouse brains in vivo. Sepp1 is thus an emerging therapeutic target for ameliorating microglia-mediated disease spread through EV secretion in neurodegenerative disorders.

Exosomes derived from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells restore ovarian function by enhancing angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

hucMSC-exosomes can be engineered to strengthen their therapeutic potential, and the present study aimed to explore whether hypoxic preconditioning can enhance the angiogenic potential of hucMSC-exosomes in an experimental model of POF.

METHODS

Primary hucMSCs and ROMECs were isolated from fresh tissue samples and assessed through a series of experiments. Exosomes were isolated from hucMSCs under normoxic or hypoxic conditions (norm-Exos and hypo-Exos, respectively) and then characterized using classic experimental methods. Based on a series of angiogenesis-related assays, we found that hypo-Exos significantly promoted ROMEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation and increased angiogenesis-promoting molecules in vitro. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence experiments in a rat model of POF demonstrated that hypoxia pretreatment strengthens the therapeutic angiogenic effect of hucMSC-exosomes in vivo. Subsequently, high-throughput miRNA sequencing, qRT‑PCR analysis, and western blotting were employed to identify the potential molecular mechanism.

RESULTS

We found that hypo-Exos enhance endothelial function and angiogenesis via the transfer of miR-205-5p in vitro and in vivo. Finally, based on the results of bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, and gain- and loss-of-function studies, we found evidence indicating that exosomal miR-205-5p enhances angiogenesis by targeting the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. These results indicated for the first time that exosomes derived from hypoxia-conditioned hucMSCs strongly enhance angiogenesis via the transfer of miR-205-5p by targeting the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide a theoretical basis and demonstrate the potential application of a novel cell-free approach with stem cell-derived products in the treatment of POF.

Exosomal miR-146a-5p derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells regulate Th1/Th2 balance and alleviates immune thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common hematological disorder. Our previous study has found that exosomal miR-146a-5p derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) regulate Th17/Treg balance to alleviate ITP. This work further investigated the role of miR-146a-5p in ITP with pregnancy. Compared with healthy pregnant volunteers, the levels of Th1 cells and IFN-γ were increased, the levels of Th2 cells and IL-4 were decreased in peripheral blood of ITP patients with pregnancy. Then, human BMSCs-exosomes repressed the ratio of Th1/Th2 cells in CD4+ T cells, while BMSCs-exosomes with miR-146a-5p inhibitor increased Th1/Th2 cell ratio. Moreover, an ITP mouse model with pregnancy was constructed by administering anti-CD41 antibody in pregnant mice to verify the role of BMSCs-Exo in vivo. BMSCs-Exo elevated the number of platelet and megakaryocyte, improved the function of gastric, spleen and thymus tissues in ITP mice with pregnancy, which attributed to delivery miR-146a-5p. Furthermore, miR-146a-5p interacted with CARD10, and then repressed CARD10/NF-κB signaling pathway. BMSCs-exosomes promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of Dami cells. In conclusion, BMSCs-exosomal miR-146a-5p reduced Th1/Th2 cell ratio to elevate proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of Dami cells, thereby alleviating ITP with pregnancy development. Therefore, miR-146a-5p may be a target for ITP with pregnancy treatment.

Efficient Enzymatic Glycan Engineering of Extracellular Vesicles Using Nanomaterial-Interfaced Microfluidics

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present a promising modality for numerous biological and medical applications, including therapeutics. Developing facile methods to engineer EVs is essential to meeting the rapidly expanding demand for various functionalized EVs in these applications. Herein, we developed a technology that integrates enzymatic glycoengineering and microfluidics for effective EV functionalization. This method builds on a 3D nanostructured microfluidic device to streamline a multiple-step EV engineering process, which involves a step of enzymatic reaction to install azido-sialic acid residues to glycans on EVs using a sialyltransferase and an azide-tagged sialyl donor followed by the attachment of various functionalities, such as biotin and fluorescent labels, to the resulting azido-glycans on EVs through a biocompatible click reaction. Compared to traditional EV engineering methods, we show that our technology improves the efficiency of EV glycoengineering while simplifying and expediting the workflow. Furthermore, we demonstrated the applicability of this technology to EVs derived from the cell lines of different cancer types, including A549, PC3, and COLO-1 cells. Overall, this EV engineering technology could provide a potentially useful tool for broad applications.

Intra-articular injection of exosomes derived from different stem cells in animal models of osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta- analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the increasing incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) has attracted widespread public attention; however, the available effective treatments are limited. As a result, new therapeutic approaches, including stem cell and exosome therapies, have been proposed and are gradually gaining popularity. Because exosomes are immunocompatible, there is thought to be more potential for their use in clinical settings. This study summarizes the efficacy of exosomes in the treatment of OA.

METHODS

In total, we conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases using medical subject headings terms to identify studies published from their inception until November 2023 that investigated the use of stem cell-derived exosomes in treating OA. We focused on specific outcomes including osteophyte score, chondrocyte count, pain level, qPCR and histological assessments such as the OARSI (Osteoarthritis research society international) score to measure cartilage degeneration. For data extraction, we used GetData Graph Digitizer to retrieve values from graphs, and the meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. We chose mean difference (MD) as the primary effect measure since all included studies reported the same outcomes. Ultimately, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We evaluated 20 studies comprising a total of 400 subjects. Compared with control groups, the exosome-treated groups showed significantly improved histological outcomes, as measured by the OARSI score (n = 400; MD = -3.54; 95% CI = [-4.30, -2.79]; P < 0.00001; I2 = 98%). This indicates a marked reduction in cartilage degeneration and OA severity in the exosome-treated groups. Notably, exosome therapy was more effective when administered during the early stages of OA. Additionally, a once-weekly dosing schedule yielded better results compared to more frequent administrations. Of the three exosome isolation methods assessed, kit-based extraction demonstrated a trend toward superior therapeutic efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Exosome treatment improved OA compared to placebo treatment.

Recent Progress in Nanomedicine for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Diseases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes memory loss and progressive and permanent deterioration of cognitive function. The most challenging issue in combating AD is its complicated pathogenesis, which includes the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau protein, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), etc. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for AD, the currently developed drugs only improve cognitive ability and temporarily relieve symptoms but cannot prevent the development of AD. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) creates a huge barrier to drug delivery in the brain. Therefore, effective diagnostic tools and treatments are urgently needed. In recent years, nanomedicine has provided opportunities to overcome the challenges and limitations associated with traditional diagnostics or treatments. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play an essential role in nanomedicine for the diagnosis and treatment of AD, acting as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability across/bypass the BBB or acting as drugs directly on AD lesions. This review categorizes different types of NPs and summarizes their applications in nanomedicine for the diagnosis and treatment of AD. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical applications and explores the latest developments and prospects of nanomedicine for AD.

Regulation of nerve cells and therapeutic potential in central nervous system injury using microglia-derived exosomes

The intercellular communication within the central nervous system (CNS) is of great importance for in maintaining brain function, homeostasis, and CNS regulation. When the equilibrium of CNS is disrupted or injured, microglia are immediately activated and respond to CNS injury. Microglia-derived exosomes are capable of participating in intercellular communication within the CNS by transporting various bioactive substances, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, amino acids, and metabolites. Nevertheless, microglia activation is a double-edged sword. Activated microglia can coordinate the neural repair process and, conversely, can amplify tissue injury and impede CNS repair. This work reviewed the roles of exosomes derived from microglia stimulated by different environments (mainly lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-4, and other specific preconditioning) in CNS injury and their possible therapeutic potentials. This work focuses on the regulation of exosomes derived from microglia stimulated by different environments on nerve cells. Meanwhile, we summarized the molecular mechanisms by which the relevant exosomes exert regulatory effects. Exosomes, derived from microglia stimulated by different environments, regulate other nerve cells during the repair of CNS injury, having beneficial or detrimental effects on CNS repair. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their role can provide a robust foundation for the clinical treatment of CNS injury.

Hepatic Steatosis Aggravates Vascular Calcification via Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Osteochondrogenic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The global incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has risen sharply. This condition is strongly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but how MAFLD affects the development and progression of CVD, particularly concerning vascular calcification, remains unclear. Herein, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are identified from steatotic hepatocytes as a trigger that accelerated the progression of both vascular intimal and medial calcification. Steatotic hepatocytes are found to release more EVs, which are able to reach the vascular tissue, be taken up by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and promote their osteogenic differentiation. Within these toxic vesicles, a protein cargo is identified called lectin galactoside-binding soluble 3 binding protein (Lgals3bp) that acted as a potent inducer of osteochondrogenic transformation in VSMCs. Both the inhibition of EV release and the liver-specific knockdown of Lgals3bp profoundly attenuated vascular calcification. This work partially explains the reason for the high incidence of vascular calcification in MAFLD and unveils a novel mechanism that may be used to prevent or treat cardiovascular complications in patients with MAFLD.

Large and small extracellular vesicles from Wharton's jelly MSCs: Biophysics, function, and strategies to improve immunomodulation

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as mediators of immunosuppression and pro-regenerative processes, particularly through mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) across various disease models. Despite significant progress, there is still a need for a deeper understanding of EV content and functionality to fully harness their biomedical potential. Moreover, strategies to enhance EV production for clinical scalability are still under development. This study aimed to characterize two distinct types of EV-large EV (lgEV) and small EV (smEV)-secreted by Wharton's jelly MSCs (WJ-MSCs). Strategies were explored to augment both EV production and their immunoregulatory effects. Both lgEV and smEV displayed typical EV markers and demonstrated inhibition of human lymphocyte proliferation. Furthermore, analysis of IsomiR content revealed a pronounced immunomodulating signature within MSC-derived EVs, validated by a dual-fluorescence reporter system. MSC primed with pro-inflammatory cytokines yielded increased production of lgEV and smEV, enhancing their immunomodulatory potency. Finally, genetically engineering WJ-MSC to express CD9 resulted in lgEV and smEV with heightened efficacy in suppressing lymphocyte proliferation. This study successfully isolated, characterized, and demonstrated the potent immunosuppressive effect of WJ-MSC-derived lgEV and smEV. We propose cytokine preconditioning and genetic manipulation as viable strategies to enhance the therapeutic potential of WJ-MSC-derived EV in inflammatory conditions.

Insights in AAV-mediated antigen-specific immunity and a strategy for AAV vaccine dose reduction through AAV-extracellular vesicle association

We previously showed therapeutic advantages of using a capsid-modified and encoded antigen-optimized AAV-based cancer vaccine to initiate strong antigen-specific immune responses and increase survival in a syngeneic mouse model of melanoma. In this study, we further explore AAV vaccine dose reduction and possible mechanisms of the immune response. Immunization with extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated AAV6-S663V encoded ovalbumin (OVA) or tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1) induced significantly higher levels of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells compared with standard AAV in mice. Importantly, a higher number of specific CD8+ T cells was achieved with EV-AAV several logs lower than optAAV-based doses. EV-optAAV-OVA was used in a dose 100 times lower, and EV-optTRP-1 10 times lower than optOVA and optTRP-1 correspondingly. Our data suggest that significant dose reduction for optimized AAV-based vaccines is possible without sacrificing efficiency. In addition, we studied the role of conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) in optimized AAV-based immunization using a C57BL/6-Irf8em1Kmm (Irf8 + 32-/-) mouse model lacking cDC1. Interestingly, we found that cDC1 are not essential for conveying effector T cell responses to AAV-encoded tumor antigens.

Hidden allies: how extracellular vesicles drive biofilm formation, stress adaptation, and host-immune interactions in human fungal pathogens

Pathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to human health, especially given the rising incidence of invasive fungal infections and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This requires the development of vaccines and the advancement of antifungal strategies. Recent studies have focused on the roles of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication and host-pathogen interactions. EVs are nanosized, lipid membrane-bound particles that facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Here, we review the multifaceted functions of EVs produced by different human fungal pathogens, highlighting their importance in the response of fungal cells to different environmental cues and their interactions with host immune cells. We summarize the current state of research on EVs and how leveraging this knowledge can lead to innovative approaches in vaccine development and antifungal treatment.

Single-Cell Isolation Chip Integrated with Multicolor Barcode Array for High-Throughput Single-Cell Exosome Profiling in Tissue Samples

Exosomes, functional biomarkers involved in cancer progression, have gained widespread attention for promoting tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Current bulk exosome detections in bodily fluids enable cancer functional analysis, but average secretion levels from cell populations, losing parent cell information and ignoring exosome heterogeneity from diverse cell subgroups, necessitating an effective platform for analyzing single-cell exosome functional heterogeneity. Here, a high-throughput platform is presented, capable of efficient single-cell isolation and multi-color exosome phenotype analysis, as well as quantifying trace exosomes secreted by single cells. Photothermal-driven single-cell chips achieve significant single-cell isolation efficiency (≈97%) within 5 min, facilitating the ultra-high throughput single-cell exosome analysis. By conducting mass spectrometry and protein interaction of breast cancer exosome phenotypic proteins, key exosome phenotypes are identified. Tens of thousands of single cells from breast cancer cell lines, and clinical tissues are analyzed, revealing various subgroup differences. The study finds more CD44 and EGFR co-expressing exosome subgroups in breast cancer cell lines, while immune-evasion PD-L1 high-phenotype exosome subgroups are primarily presented in complex tumor microenvironments, especially in HER2-positive tissues. This platform offers powerful single-cell isolation, exosome quantification, and phenotypic analysis capabilities, making it a powerful tool for advancing single-cell exosome analysis in cancer research.

Extracellular vesicles: biological mechanisms and emerging therapeutic opportunities in neurodegenerative diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane vesicles originating from different cells within the brain. The pathophysiological role of EVs in neurodegenerative diseases is progressively acknowledged. This field has advanced from basic biological research to essential clinical significance. The capacity to selectively enrich specific subsets of EVs from biofluids via distinctive surface markers has opened new avenues for molecular understandings across various tissues and organs, notably in the brain. In recent years, brain-derived EVs have been extensively investigated as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and drug-delivery vehicles for neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a brief overview of the characteristics and physiological functions of the various classes of EVs, focusing on the biological mechanisms by which various types of brain-derived EVs mediate the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Concurrently, novel therapeutic approaches and challenges for the use of EVs as delivery vehicles are delineated.

miR-21-5p Enriched Exosomes from Human Embryonic Stem Cells Promote Osteogenesis via YAP1 Modulation

Purpose

To investigate the osteogenic potential of human embryonic stem cell-derived exosomes (hESC-Exos) and their effects on the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs).

Methods

hESC-Exos were isolated and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blotting. hUCMSCs were cultured with hESC-Exos to assess osteogenic differentiation through alizarin red staining, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Western blotting. miRNA profiling of hESC-Exos was performed using miRNA microarray analysis. In vivo bone regeneration was evaluated using an ovariectomized rat model with bone defects treated with exosome-loaded scaffolds.

Results

hESC-Exos significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hUCMSCs, as evidenced by increased alizarin red staining and the upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (ALP, RUNX2, OCN). miRNA analysis revealed that miR-21-5p is a key regulator that targets YAP1 and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In vivo, hESC-Exos enhanced bone repair in ovariectomized rats, as demonstrated by increased bone mineral density and improved bone microarchitecture compared to those in controls.

Conclusion

hESC-Exos exhibit significant osteogenic potential by promoting the differentiation of hUCMSCs and enhancing bone regeneration in vivo. This study revealed that the miR-21-5p-YAP1/β-catenin axis is a critical pathway, suggesting that the use of hESC-Exos is a promising therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration and repair.

Circulating Extracellular Vesicles as Promising Biomarkers for Precession Diagnostics: A Perspective on Lung Cancer

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising biomarkers in liquid biopsy, owing to their ubiquitous presence in bodily fluids and their ability to carry disease-related cargo. Recognizing their significance in disease diagnosis and treatment, substantial efforts have been dedicated to developing efficient methods for EV isolation, detection, and analysis. EVs, heterogeneous membrane-encapsulated vesicles secreted by all cells, contain bioactive substances capable of modulating recipient cell biology upon internalization, including proteins, lipids, DNA, and various RNAs. Their prevalence across bodily fluids has positioned them as pivotal mediators in physiological and pathological processes, notably in cancer, where they hold potential as straightforward tumor biomarkers. This review offers a comprehensive examination of advanced nanotechnology-based techniques for detecting lung cancer through EV analysis. It begins by providing a brief overview of exosomes and their role in lung cancer progression. Furthermore, this review explores the evolving landscape of EV isolation and cargo analysis, highlighting the importance of characterizing specific biomolecular signatures within EVs for improved diagnostic accuracy in lung cancer patients. Innovative strategies for enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of EV isolation and detection, including the integration of microfluidic platforms and multiplexed biosensing technologies are summarized. The discussion then extends to key challenges associated with EV-based liquid biopsies, such as the standardization of isolation and detection protocols and the establishment of robust analytical platforms for clinical translation. This review highlights the transformative impact of EV-based liquid biopsy in lung cancer diagnosis, heralding a new era of personalized medicine and improved patient care.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes carry miR-125a-5p to improve diabetic keratopathy by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND

Diabetic keratopathy is a prevalent but sometimes ignored visual condition in diabetic patients, which significantly affects patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in terms of their visual acuity. Exosomes regulate diabetes-related conditions like diabetic keratopathy (DK) by secreting their components into the body.

OBJECTIVE

Aim to investigate the effect and mechanism of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosome miR-125a-5p on DK.

METHODS

Transmission electron microscopy, along with nanoparticle tracking analysis, was used to determine the morphology and size of exosomes. To evaluate cell viability, proliferation, and migration, Western blotting and RT-qPCR methods were used. CCK-8, cell cloning, and scratch assays were used to measure protein levels and mRNA expression.

RESULTS

High glucose treatment of corneal epithelial cells weakened cell viability, proliferation and migration, and the level of miR-125a-5p was significantly reduced. It has been proposed that elevated levels of miR-125a-5p could enhance cell viability, proliferation, and migration, can inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by high glucose, which is the same as the effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

Mouse bone marrow MSC-derived exosome miR-125a-5p repairs corneal epithelial cell viability and proliferation as well as migration ability to improve DK by inhibiting high glucose-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress.

A simple capillary isoelectric focusing method as the novel strategy for the isoelectric point measurement of exosomes and its application in disease diagnosis

A straightforward capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) method is established with a isoelectric point (pI) range spanning from 3.5 to 7.0, exhibiting excellent linearity and repeatability, with an R2 value of 0.9937 and migration time RSDs for all standard proteins below 0.3%. Subsequently, this method was applied to model exosomes derived from cell lines and healthy human serum, and the peak attributions of exosomes were identified using DiI labeled exosomes and lysed exosomes. The reproducibility of this method in exosome detection was also validated, as the RSDs of all pI values were less than 1%. Then, we observed a significant increase in the pI of exosomes with higher cholesterol content, irrespective of whether they originated from cell culture medium or mouse plasma. Notably, serum exosomes from healthy volunteers exhibited higher pI values compared to those from hepatocellular carcinoma patients, suggesting a potential diagnostic perspective for cancer. These findings underscore the significance of pI measurement in reflecting modifications in exosomal lipid membrane composition and their implications in biological functions mediated by exosomes.

Research trends and hotspots in gastric carcinoma associated exosome: a bibliometric analysis

Background

Stomach cancer is considered the fifth most common cancer worldwide. This study utilized bibliometric analysis to construct a visualization map of the relationship between stomach cancer and exosomes, aiming to reveal research trends and emerging themes, and provide direction for future research.

Method

Retrieve relevant literature on gastric cancer exosomes in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) over the past 25 years according to search criteria, and conduct bibliometric and visualization analysis using bibliometric software VOSviewer and CiteSpace.

Results

This study included a total of 727 articles, with an overall increasing trend in annual publication output. There were 68 countries involved, with China having the largest number of publications followed by the United States. A total of 957 research institutions were involved, with most of the top 10 institutions in terms of publication output being universities in China. The top 5 journals are Molecular Cancer, Cell death & disease, Cancers, International journal of molecular sciences, and Frontiers in oncology. A total of 4529 authors were involved, with 5 authors having a publication output of no less than 13 articles. A total of 35516 references were cited, with a total number of citations. The top publication is "Exosome-mediated transfer of mRNAs and microRNAs is a novel mechanism of genetic exchange between cells".

Conclusion

Over the past 25 years, researchers have been dedicated to studying the field of exosomes related to gastric cancer, and research in this area is currently progressing steadily. Based on previous studies, exosomes in gastric adenocarcinoma serve as biomarkers, potential therapeutic targets, and post-resistance treatment, which represents current hotspots and emerging frontiers in research.

Liquid biopsy in cancer current: status, challenges and future prospects

Cancer has a high mortality rate across the globe, and tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for tumor diagnosis due to its high level of laboratory standardization, good consistency of results, relatively stable samples, and high accuracy of results. However, there are still many limitations and drawbacks in the application of tissue biopsy in tumor. The emergence of liquid biopsy provides new ideas for early diagnosis and prognosis of tumor. Compared with tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy has many advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer, including non-invasive, quickly and so on. Currently, the application of liquid biopsy in tumor detection has received widely attention. It is now undergoing rapid progress, and it holds significant potential for future applications. Around now, liquid biopsies encompass several components such as circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, exosomes, microRNA, circulating RNA, tumor platelets, and tumor endothelial cells. In addition, advances in the identification of liquid biopsy indicators have significantly enhanced the possibility of utilizing liquid biopsies in clinical settings. In this review, we will discuss the application, advantages and challenges of liquid biopsy in some common tumors from the perspective of diverse systems of tumors, and look forward to its future development prospects in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Lymphatic Vascular System in Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Tumor Progression

Tumor growth and progression require molecular interactions between malignant and host cells. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as an important pillar of such interactions, carrying molecular information from their donor cells to distant recipient cells. Thereby, the phenotype and function of the recipient cells are altered, which may facilitate tumor immune escape and tumor metastasis to other organs through the formation of pre-metastatic niches. A prerequisite for these effects of tumor cell-derived EVs is an efficient transport system from the site of origin to the body periphery. Here, we highlight the role of the lymphatic vascular system in the distribution and progression-promoting functions of tumor cell-derived EVs. Importantly, the lymphatic vascular system is the primary drainage system for interstitial fluid and its soluble, particulate, and cellular contents, and therefore represents the principal route for regional (i.e., to tumor-draining lymph nodes) and systemic distribution of EVs derived from solid tumors. Furthermore, recent studies highlighted the tumor-draining lymph node as a crucial site where tumor-derived EVs exert their effects. A deeper mechanistic understanding of how EVs gain access to the lymphatic vasculature, how they interact with their recipient cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes and beyond, and how they induce phenotypic and functional maladaptation will be instrumental to identify new molecular targets and conceive innovative approaches for cancer therapy.

EV-Elute: A universal platform for the enrichment of functional surface marker-defined extracellular vesicle subpopulations

Intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been identified as a vital component of a steadily expanding number of physiological and pathological processes. To accommodate these roles, EVs have highly heterogeneous molecular compositions. Given that surface molecules on EVs determine their interactions with their environment, EV functionality likely differs between subpopulations with varying surface compositions. However, it has been technically challenging to examine such functional heterogeneity due to a lack of non-destructive methods to separate EV subpopulations based on their surface markers. Here, we used the Design-of-Experiments (DoE) methodology to optimize a protocol, which we name 'EV-Elute', to elute intact EVs from commercially available Protein G-coated magnetic beads. We captured EVs from various cell types on these beads using antibodies against CD9, CD63, CD81 and a custom-made protein binding phosphatidylserine (PS). When applying EV-Elute, over 70% of bound EVs could be recovered from the beads in a pH- and incubation-time-dependent fashion. EV subpopulations showed intact integrity by electron microscopy and Proteinase K protection assays and showed uptake patterns similar to whole EV isolates in co-cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and endothelial cells. However, in Cas9/sgRNA delivery assays, CD63+ EVs showed a lower capacity to functionally deliver cargo as compared to CD9+, CD81+ and PS+ EVs. Taken together, we developed a novel, easy-to-use platform to isolate and functionally compare surface marker-defined EV subpopulations. This platform does not require specialized equipment or reagents and is universally applicable to any capturing antibody and EV source. Hence, EV-Elute can open new opportunities to study EV functionality at the subpopulation level.

An extracellular vesicle delivery platform based on the PTTG1IP protein

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising therapeutic delivery vehicles, although their potential is limited by a lack of efficient engineering strategies to enhance loading and functional cargo delivery. Using an in-house bioinformatics analysis, we identified N-glycosylation as a putative EV-sorting feature. PTTG1IP (a small, N-glycosylated, single-spanning transmembrane protein) was found to be a suitable scaffold for EV loading of therapeutic cargoes, with loading dependent on its N-glycosylation at two arginine residues. Chimeric proteins consisting of PTTG1IP fused with various cargo proteins, and separated by self-cleaving sequences (to promote cargo release), were shown to enable highly efficient functional delivery of Cre protein to recipient cell cultures and mouse xenograft tumors, and delivery of Cas9-sgRNA complexes to recipient reporter cells. The favorable membrane topology of PTTG1IP enabled facile engineering of further variants with improved properties, highlighting its versatility and potential as a platform for EV-based therapeutics.

In Situ Array Microextraction and Metabolic Profiling of Small Extracellular Vesicles to Guide and Monitor Maternal Delivery

The advantages of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) in disease management have become increasingly prominent, with the main challenge lying in meeting the demands of large-scale extraction and high-throughput analysis, a crucial aspect in the realm of precision medicine. To overcome this challenge, an engineered on-plate aptamer array (16×24 spots) is developed for continuous scale-up microextraction of plasma sEV and their in situ metabolic analysis using mass spectrometry. With this integrated array strategy, metabolic profiles of sEV are acquired from the plasma of 274 antenatal or postpartum women, reducing analysis time by half (7.5 h) and sample volume by 95% (only 0.125 µL usage) compared to the traditional suspension method. Moreover, using machine learning algorithms on sEV metabolic profiles, a risk score system is constructed that accurately assesses the need for epidural analgesia during childbirth and the likelihood of post-administration fever. The system, based on admission samples, achieves an impressive 94% accuracy. Furthermore, post-administration fever can be identified from delivery samples, reaching an overall accuracy rate of 88%. This work offers real-time monitoring of the childbirth process that can provide timely guidance for maternal delivery, underscoring the significance of sEV detection in large-scale clinical samples for medicine innovation and advancement.

Role and therapeutic perspectives of extracellular vesicles derived from liver and adipose tissue in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

The global epidemic of metabolic diseases has led to the emergence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which pose a significant threat to human health. Despite recent advances in research on the pathogenesis and treatment of MASLD/MASH, there is still a lack of more effective and targeted therapies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) discovered in a wide range of tissues and body fluids encapsulate different activated biomolecules and mediate intercellular communication. Recent studies have shown that EVs derived from the liver and adipose tissue (AT) play vital roles in MASLD/MASH pathogenesis and therapeutics, depending on their sources and intervention types. Besides, adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC)-derived EVs appear to be more effective in mitigating MASLD/MASH. This review presents an overview of the definition, extraction strategies, and characterisation of EVs, with a particular focus on the biogenesis and release of exosomes. It also reviews the effects and potential molecular mechanisms of liver- and AT-derived EVs on MASLD/MASH, and emphasises the contribution and clinical therapeutic potential of ADSC-derived EVs. Furthermore, the future perspective of EV therapy in a clinical setting is discussed.

Extracellular vesicles in cancers: mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) composed of various biologically active constituents, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites, have emerged as a noteworthy mode of intercellular communication. There are several categories of EVs, including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, which largely differ in their mechanisms of formation and secretion. The amount of evidence indicated that changes in the EV quantity and composition play a role in multiple aspects of cancer development, such as the transfer of oncogenic signals, angiogenesis, metabolism remodeling, and immunosuppressive effects. As EV isolation technology and characteristics recognition improve, EVs are becoming more commonly used in the early diagnosis and evaluation of treatment effectiveness for cancers. Actually, EVs have sparked clinical interest in their potential use as delivery vehicles or vaccines for innovative antitumor techniques. This review will focus on the function of biological molecules contained in EVs linked to cancer progression and their participation in the intricate interrelationship within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the potential efficacy of an EV-based liquid biopsy and delivery cargo for treatment will be explored. Finally, we explicitly delineate the limitations of EV-based anticancer therapies and provide an overview of the clinical trials aimed at improving EV development.