Microvesicles shed from fibroblasts act as metalloproteinase carriers in a 3-D collagen matrix

Direct and cell-mediated EV-ECM interplay

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are a heterogeneous group of lipid particles excreted by cells. They play an important role in regeneration, development, inflammation, and cancer progression, together with the extracellular matrix (ECM), which they constantly interact with. In this review, we discuss direct and indirect interactions of EVs and the ECM and their impact on different physiological processes. The ECM affects the secretion of EVs, and the properties of the ECM and EVs modulate EVs' diffusion and adhesion. On the other hand, EVs can affect the ECM both directly through enzymes and indirectly through the modulation of the ECM synthesis and remodeling by cells. This review emphasizes recently discovered types of EVs bound to the ECM and isolated by enzymatic digestion, including matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBV) and tissue-derived EV (TiEV). In addition to the experimental studies, computer models of the EV-ECM-cell interactions, from all-atom models to quantitative pharmacology models aiming to improve our understanding of the interaction mechanisms, are also considered. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Application of extracellular vesicles in tissue engineering is an actively developing area. Vesicles not only affect cells themselves but also interact with the matrix and change it. The matrix also influences both cells and vesicles. In this review, different possible types of interactions between vesicles, matrix, and cells are discussed. Furthermore, the united EV-ECM system and its regulation through the cellular activity are presented.

Large extracellular vesicles transfer more prions and infect cell culture better than small extracellular vesicles

Prions are responsible for a number of lethal neurodegenerative and transmissible diseases in humans and animals. Extracellular vesicles, especially small exosomes, have been extensively studied in connection with various diseases. In contrast, larger microvesicles are often overlooked. In this work, we compared the ability of large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) and small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) to spread prions in cell culture. We utilized CAD5 cell culture model of prion infection and isolated lEVs by 20,000×g force and sEVs by 110,000×g force. The lEV fraction was enriched in β-1 integrin with a vesicle size starting at 100 nm. The fraction of sEVs was partially depleted of β-1 integrin with a mean size of 79 nm. Both fractions were enriched in prion protein, but the lEVs contained a higher prion-converting activity. In addition, lEV infection led to stronger prion signals in both cell cultures, as detected by cell and western blotting. These results were verified on N2a-PK1 cell culture. Our data suggest the importance of lEVs in the trafficking and spread of prions over extensively studied small EVs.

Extracellular-Vesicle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Enhanced Antitumor Therapies through Modulating the Cancer-Immunity Cycle

Although immunotherapy harnessing activity of the immune system against tumors has made great progress, the treatment efficacy remains limited in most cancers. Current anticancer immunotherapy is primarily based on T-cell-mediated cellular immunity, which highly relies on efficiency of triggering the cancer-immunity cycle, namely, tumor antigen release, antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells, T cell activation, recruitment and infiltration of T cells into tumors, and recognition and killing of tumor cells by T cells. Unfortunately, these immunotherapies are restricted by inefficient drug delivery and acting on only a single step of the cancer-immunity cycle. Due to high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, intrinsic cell targeting, and easy chemical and genetic manipulation, extracellular vesicle (EV)-based drug delivery systems are widely used to amplify anticancer immune responses by serving as an integrated platform for multiple drugs or therapeutic strategies to synergistically activate several steps of cancer-immunity cycle. This review summarizes various mechanisms related to affecting cancer-immunity cycle disorders. Meanwhile, preparation and application of EV-based drug delivery systems in modulating cancer-immunity cycle are introduced, especially in the improvement of T cell recruitment and infiltration into tumors. Finally, opportunities and challenges of EV-based drug delivery systems in translational clinical applications are briefly discussed.

Extracellular vesicles for improved tumor accumulation and penetration

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microparticles and exosomes, have emerged as potential tools for tumor targeting delivery during the past years. Recently, mass of strategies are applied to assist EVs to accumulate and penetrate into deep tumor sites. In this review, EVs from different cells with unique innate characters and engineered approaches (e.g. chemical engineering, genetical engineering and biomimetic engineering) as drug delivery systems to enhance tumor accumulation and penetration are summarized. Meanwhile, efficient biological function modulation (e.g. extracellular matrix degradation, mechanical property regulation and transcytosis) is introduced to facilitate tumor accumulation and penetration of EVs. Finally, the prospects and challenges on further clinical applications of EVs are discussed.

Therapeutically harnessing extracellular vesicles

The field of extracellular vesicle (EV) research has developed rapidly over the last decade from the study of fundamental biology to a subject of significant clinical relevance. The potential of harnessing EVs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases - including cancer and neurological and cardiovascular disorders - is now being recognized. Accordingly, the applications of EVs as therapeutic targets, biomarkers, novel drug delivery agents and standalone therapeutics are being actively explored. This Review provides a brief overview of the characteristics and physiological functions of the various classes of EV, focusing on their association with disease and emerging strategies for their therapeutic exploitation.

Status of biomarkers for the identification of stable or vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammation of the arteries characterized by atherosclerotic plaque due to the accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, apoptotic cells, calcium and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Stable plaques present a chronic inflammatory infiltration, whereas vulnerable plaques present an 'active' inflammation involved in the thinning of the fibrous cap that predisposes to plaque rupture. Several complex biological cellular processes lead plaques to evolve from stable to vulnerable predisposing them to rupture and thrombosis. In this review, we analyze some emerging circulating biomarkers related to inflammation, ECM and lipid infiltration, angiogenesis, metalloproteinases and microRNA (miRNA), as possible diagnostic and prognostic indicators of plaque vulnerability.

Causal contributors to tissue stiffness and clinical relevance in urology

Mechanomedicine is an emerging field focused on characterizing mechanical changes in cells and tissues coupled with a specific disease. Understanding the mechanical cues that drive disease progression, and whether tissue stiffening can precede disease development, is crucial in order to define new mechanical biomarkers to improve and develop diagnostic and prognostic tools. Classically known stromal regulators, such as fibroblasts, and more recently acknowledged factors such as the microbiome and extracellular vesicles, play a crucial role in modifications to the stroma and extracellular matrix (ECM). These modifications ultimately lead to an alteration of the mechanical properties (stiffness) of the tissue, contributing to disease onset and progression. We describe here classic and emerging mediators of ECM remodeling, and discuss state-of-the-art studies characterizing mechanical fingerprints of urological diseases, showing a general trend between increased tissue stiffness and severity of disease. Finally, we point to the clinical potential of tissue stiffness as a diagnostic and prognostic factor in the urological field, as well as a possible target for new innovative drugs.

Extracellular vesicles: Critical players during cell migration

Cell migration is essential for the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms, contributing to embryogenesis, wound healing, immune response, and other critical processes. It is also involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including immune deficiency disorders and cancer metastasis. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to play important roles in cell migration. Here, we review recent studies describing the functions of EVs in multiple aspects of cell motility, including directional sensing, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and leader-follower behavior. We also discuss the role of EVs in migration during development and disease and the utility of imaging tools for studying the role of EVs in cell migration.

Membrane Microvesicles as Potential Vaccine Candidates

The prevention and control of infectious diseases is crucial to the maintenance and protection of social and public healthcare. The global impact of SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated how outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infections can lead to pandemics of significant public health and socio-economic burden. Vaccination is one of the most effective approaches to protect against infectious diseases, and to date, multiple vaccines have been successfully used to protect against and eradicate both viral and bacterial pathogens. The main criterion of vaccine efficacy is the induction of specific humoral and cellular immune responses, and it is well established that immunogenicity depends on the type of vaccine as well as the route of delivery. In addition, antigen delivery to immune organs and the site of injection can potentiate efficacy of the vaccine. In light of this, microvesicles have been suggested as potential vehicles for antigen delivery as they can carry various immunogenic molecules including proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides directly to target cells. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of microvesicle biogenesis and the role of microvesicles in infectious diseases. Further, we discuss the application of microvesicles as a novel and effective vaccine delivery system.

Matrix Metalloproteinases as Biomarkers of Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases responsible for tissue remodeling and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. MMPs may modulate various cellular and signaling pathways in atherosclerosis responsible for progression and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. The effect of MMPs polymorphisms and the expression of MMPs in both the atherosclerotic plaque and plasma was shown. They are independent predictors of atherosclerotic plaque instability in stable coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Increased levels of MMPs in patients with advanced cardiovascular disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was associated with future risk of cardiovascular events. These data confirm that MMPs may be biomarkers in plaque instability as they target in potential drug therapies for atherosclerosis. They provide important prognostic information, independent of traditional risk factors, and may turn out to be useful in improving risk stratification.

Extracellular Vesicles as Drug Delivery Systems - Methods of Production and Potential Therapeutic Applications

Drug delivery systems are created to achieve the desired therapeutic effect of a specific pharmaceutical compound. Numerous drawbacks and side effects such as unfavorable pharmacokinetics, lack of tissue selectivity, immunogenicity, increased systemic clearance and toxicity, have been observed for currently available drug delivery systems (DDSs). The use of natural and artificial extracellular vesicles (EVs) in drug delivery may help to solve the aforementioned problems faced by different DDSs. Due to their self-origin, small size, flexibility, the presence of multiple adhesive molecules on their surfaces as well as their function as biomolecules carriers, EVs are the perfect candidates for DDSs. Currently, several drug delivery systems based on EVs have been proposed. While the great potential of these particles in targeted drug delivery has been recognized in cancer, hepatitis C, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory states etc., this field is still in the early stage of development. Unfortunately, the use of EVs from natural sources (cell cultures, body fluids) results in numerous problems in terms of the heterogeneity of isolated vesicle population as well as the method of isolation thereof, which may influence vesicle composition and properties. Therefore, there is a significant need for the synthesis of artificial EV-based DDSs under strictly controlled laboratory conditions and from well-defined biomolecules (proteins and lipids). Vesicle-mimetic delivery systems, characterized by properties similar to natural EVs, will bring new opportunities to study the mechanisms of DDS internalization and their biological activity after delivering their cargo to a target cell.

Therapeutic potential of exosomes in rotator cuff tendon healing

Rotator cuff tears are common musculoskeletal injuries that can cause significant pain and disability. While the clinical results of rotator cuff repair can be good, failure of tendon healing remains a significant problem. Molecular mechanisms underlying structural failure following surgical repair remain unclear. Histologically, enhanced inflammation, disorganization of the collagen fibers, calcification, apoptosis and tissue necrosis affect the normal healing process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to provide improved healing following rotator cuff repair via the release of mediators from secreted 30-100 nm extracellular vesicles called exosomes. They carry regulatory proteins, mRNA and miRNA and have the ability to increase collagen synthesis and angiogenesis through increased expression of mRNA and release of proangiogenic factors and regulatory proteins that play a major role in proper tissue remodeling and preventing extracellular matrix degradation. Various studies have shown the effect of exosomes on improving outcome of cutaneous wound healing, scar tissue formation, degenerative bone disease and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In this article, we critically reviewed the potential role of exosomes in tendon regeneration and propose the novel use of exosomes alone or seeded onto biomaterial matrices to stimulate secretion of favorable cellular factors in accelerating the healing response following rotator cuff repair.

Fibronectin on the Surface of Extracellular Vesicles Mediates Fibroblast Invasion

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are endosome and plasma membrane-derived nano-sized vesicles that participate in intercellular signaling. Although EV cargo may signal via multiple mechanisms, how signaling components on the surface of EVs mediate cellular signaling is less well understood. In this study, we show that fibroblast-derived EVs carry fibronectin on the vesicular surface, as evidenced by mass spectrometry-based proteomics (Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra) and flow-cytometric analyses. Fibroblasts undergoing replicative senescence or transforming growth factor β1-induced senescence and fibroblasts isolated from human subjects with an age-related lung disorder, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, secreted higher numbers of EVs than their respective controls. Fibroblast-derived EVs induced an invasive phenotype in recipient fibroblasts. This invasive fibroblast phenotype was dependent on EV surface localization of fibronectin, interaction with the fibronectin receptor α5β1 integrin, and activation of invasion-associated signaling pathways involving focal adhesion kinase and Src family kinases. EVs in the cellular supernatant, unbound to the extracellular matrix, were capable of mediating invasion signaling on recipient fibroblasts, supporting a direct interaction of EV surface fibronectin with the plasma membrane of recipient cells. Together, these studies uncover a novel mechanism of EV signaling of fibroblast invasion that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and cancer.

Improved Multicellular Response, Biomimetic Mineralization, Angiogenesis, and Reduced Foreign Body Response of Modified Polydioxanone Scaffolds for Skeletal Tissue Regeneration

The potential of electrospun polydioxanone (PDX) mats as scaffolds for skeletal tissue regeneration was significantly enhanced through improvement of the cell-mediated biomimetic mineralization and multicellular response. This was achieved by blending PDX ( i) with poly(hydroxybutyrate- co-valerate) (PHBV) in the presence of hydroxyapatite (HA) and ( ii) with aloe vera (AV) extract containing a mixture of acemannan/glucomannan. In an exhaustive study, the behavior of the most relevant cell lines involved in the skeletal tissue healing cascade, i.e. fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells and preosteoblasts, on the scaffolds was investigated. The scaffolds were shown to be nontoxic, to exhibit insignificant inflammatory responses in macrophages, and to be degradable by macrophage-secreted enzymes. As a result of different phase separation in PDX/PHBV/HA and PDX/AV blend mats, cells interacted differentially. Presumably due to varying tension states of cell-matrix interactions, thinner microtubules and significantly more cell adhesion sites and filopodia were formed on PDX/AV compared to PDX/PHBV/HA. While PDX/PHBV/HA supported micrometer-sized spherical particles, nanosized rod-like HA was observed to nucleate and grow on PDX/AV fibers, allowing the mineralized PDX/AV scaffold to retain its porosity over a longer time for cellular infiltration. Finally, PDX/AV exhibited better in vivo biocompatibility compared to PDX/PHBV/HA, as indicated by the reduced fibrous capsule thickness and enhanced blood vessel formation. Overall, PDX/AV blend mats showed a significantly enhanced potential for skeletal tissue regeneration compared to the already promising PDX/PHBV/HA blends.

Cell-Cell Mechanical Communication in Cancer

Communication between cancer cells enables cancer progression and metastasis. While cell-cell communication in cancer has primarily been examined through chemical mechanisms, recent evidence suggests that mechanical communication through cell-cell junctions and cell-ECM linkages is also an important mediator of cancer progression. Cancer and stromal cells remodel the ECM through a variety of mechanisms, including matrix degradation, cross-linking, deposition, and physical remodeling. Cancer cells sense these mechanical environmental changes through cell-matrix adhesion complexes and subsequently alter their tension between both neighboring cells and the surrounding matrix, thereby altering the force landscape within the microenvironment. This communication not only allows cancer cells to communicate with each other, but allows stromal cells to communicate with cancer cells through matrix remodeling. Here, we review the mechanisms of intercellular force transmission, the subsequent matrix remodeling, and the implications of this mechanical communication on cancer progression.

Extracellular Vesicles and Matrix Remodeling Enzymes: The Emerging Roles in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling, Progression of Diseases and Tissue Repair

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane enclosed micro- and nano-sized vesicles that are secreted from almost every species, ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and from almost every cell type studied so far. EVs contain repertoire of bioactive molecules such as proteins (including enzymes and transcriptional factors), lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids including DNA, coding and non-coding RNAs. The secreted EVs are taken up by neighboring cells where they release their content in recipient cells, or can sail through body fluids to reach distant organs. Since EVs transport bioactive cargo between cells, they have emerged as novel mediators of extra- and intercellular activities in local microenvironment and inter-organ communications distantly. Herein, we review the activities of EV-associated matrix-remodeling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases, heparanases, hyaluronidases, aggrecanases, and their regulators such as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducers and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases as novel means of matrix remodeling in physiological and pathological conditions. We discuss how such EVs act as novel mediators of extracellular matrix degradation to prepare a permissive environment for various pathological conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and metabolic diseases. Additionally, the roles of EV-mediated matrix remodeling in tissue repair and their potential applications as organ therapies have been reviewed. Collectively, this knowledge could benefit the development of new approaches for tissue engineering.

Extracellular vesicles: important collaborators in cancer progression

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane vesicles that are released from cells and mediate cell-cell communication. EVs carry protein, lipid, and nucleic acid cargoes that interact with recipient cells to alter their phenotypes. Evidence is accumulating that tumor-derived EVs can play important roles in all steps of cancer progression. Here, we review recent studies reporting critical roles for EVs in four major areas of cancer progression: promotion of cancer invasiveness and motility, enhancement of angiogenesis and vessel permeability, conditioning premetastatic niches, and immune suppression.

The cell biology of the thyroid-disrupting mechanism of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)

OBJECTIVE

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is an organochlorine known for its pesticide properties and for its negative effects on human health. It was banned in most countries for its toxicity to the endocrine system, but due to its persistence at clinically relevant concentrations in both soil and animal tissues, DDT is still linked to several health and social problems.

METHODS

We have previously shown that DDT exposure is causally related to the extracellular release of vesicular organelles such as microvesicles and/or exosomes by using immunocytochemistry with gold-tagged antibodies and various fluorescent membrane markers.

RESULTS

It is now well recognized that microvesicles and/or exosomes organelles are implicated in cell-to-cell communication, and that they are fundamental elements for transferring proteins, RNA, DNA, lipids and transcriptional factors among cells. In this short review, we discussed the role of extracellular vesicle formation in the thyroid-disrupting mechanism of DDT. In particular, we described how DDT, by dislodging the thyrotropin hormone (TSH) receptor from the raft containing compartments of the cells, prevents its activation and internalization.

CONCLUSION

Based on our earlier finding and on the large body of evidence here reviewed, we propose that DDT-induced formation of extracellular vesicles containing the TSH receptor could be directly involved in the development of autoimmune responses against the TSH receptor and that, therefore, their release could lead to the development of the Graves' disease.

Extracellular vesicles are integral and functional components of the extracellular matrix

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are small plasma membrane-derived particles released into the extracellular space by virtually all cell types. Recently, EV have received increased interest because of their capability to carry nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and signaling molecules and to transfer their cargo into the target cells. Less attention has been paid to their role in modifying the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), either directly or indirectly via regulating the ability of target cells to synthesize or degrade matrix molecules. Based on recent results, EV can be considered one of the structural and functional components of the ECM that participate in matrix organization, regulation of cells within it, and in determining the physical properties of soft connective tissues, bone, cartilage and dentin. This review addresses the relevance of EV as specific modulators of the ECM, such as during the assembly and disassembly of the molecular network, signaling through the ECM and formation of niches suitable for tissue regeneration, inflammation and tumor progression. Finally, we assess the potential of these aspects of EV biology to translational medicine.