Chronic myeloid leukemia-derived exosomes promote tumor growth through an autocrine mechanism

Identification of exosomal microRNAs and related hub genes associated with imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia

Chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle in cancer therapy, and identifying novel druggable targets to reverse this phenomenon is essential. The exosome-mediated transmittance of drug resistance has been shown in various cancer models including ovarian and prostate cancer models. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of exosomal miRNA transfer in chronic myeloid leukemia drug resistance. For this purpose, firstly exosomes were isolated from imatinib sensitive (K562S) and resistant (K562R) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells and named as Sexo and Rexo, respectively. Then, miRNA microarray was used to compare miRNA profiles of K562S, K562R, Sexo, Rexo, and Rexo-treated K562S cells. According to our results, miR-125b-5p and miR-99a-5p exhibited increased expression in resistant cells, their exosomes, and Rexo-treated sensitive cells compared to their sensitive counterparts. On the other hand, miR-210-3p and miR-193b-3p were determined to be the two miRNAs which exhibited decreased expression profile in resistant cells and their exosomes compared to their sensitive counterparts. Gene targets, signaling pathways, and enrichment analysis were performed for these miRNAs by TargetScan, KEGG, and DAVID. Potential interactions between gene candidates at the protein level were analyzed via STRING and Cytoscape software. Our findings revealed CCR5, GRK2, EDN1, ARRB1, P2RY2, LAMC2, PAK3, PAK4, and GIT2 as novel gene targets that may play roles in exosomal imatinib resistance transfer as well as mTOR, STAT3, MCL1, LAMC1, and KRAS which are already linked to imatinib resistance. MDR1 mRNA exhibited higher expression in Rexo compared to Sexo as well as in K562S cells treated with Rexo compared to K562S cells which may suggest exosomal transfer of MDR1 mRNA.

Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the process of tumorigenesis, regulating the growth, metabolism, proliferation, and invasion of cancer cells, as well as contributing to tumor resistance to the conventional chemoradiotherapies. Several types of cells with relatively stable phenotypes have been identified within the TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells, which have been shown to modulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and interaction with the immune system, thus promoting tumor heterogeneity. Growing evidence suggests that tumor-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), via the transfer of various molecules (e.g., RNA, proteins, peptides, and lipids), play a pivotal role in the transformation of normal cells in the TME into their tumor-associated protumorigenic counterparts. This review article focuses on the functions of EVs in the modulation of the TME with a view to how exosomes contribute to the transformation of normal cells, as well as their importance for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

The Tumor Microenvironment: Signal Transduction

In the challenging tumor microenvironment (TME), tumors coexist with diverse stromal cell types. During tumor progression and metastasis, a reciprocal interaction occurs between cancer cells and their environment. These interactions involve ongoing and evolving paracrine and proximal signaling. Intrinsic signal transduction in tumors drives processes such as malignant transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune evasion, and tumor cell metastasis. In addition, cancer cells embedded in the tumor microenvironment undergo metabolic reprogramming. Their metabolites, serving as signaling molecules, engage in metabolic communication with diverse matrix components. These metabolites act as direct regulators of carcinogenic pathways, thereby activating signaling cascades that contribute to cancer progression. Hence, gaining insights into the intrinsic signal transduction of tumors and the signaling communication between tumor cells and various matrix components within the tumor microenvironment may reveal novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we initially examine the development of the tumor microenvironment. Subsequently, we delineate the oncogenic signaling pathways within tumor cells and elucidate the reciprocal communication between these pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we give an overview of the effect of signal transduction within the tumor microenvironment on tumor metabolism and tumor immunity.

Identification of Transcriptomic Signatures of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma-Derived Exosomes That Promote Macrophage M2 Polarization and Predict Prognosis: S100A9 Reveals Tumor Progression

Background

Exosomes play a role in intercellular communication and participate in the interaction between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and immune cells. Macrophages can receive tumor cell-derived exosomes to polarize into M2-type macrophages, which can enhance the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer, leading to poor prognosis. However, the mechanism by which pancreatic cancer cell-derived exosomes promote M2-type macrophages is still unclear.

Methods

M2 macrophage-associated exosome-derived key module genes were identified by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis using exoRbase 2.0, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify key prognostic genes and obtain regression coefficients to establish prognostic signature. Immune infiltration, tumor mutations, and GSEA among different risk groups were compared. exoRbase 2.0, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), HPA, and TISCH2 databases were used to further analyze the expression pattern of S100A9 in pancreatic cancer. In vitro experiments, cell-derived exosome isolation, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, flow cytometry analysis, cell transfection, transwell assay, and CCK-8 assay were applied to investigate the roles of S100A9 in macrophage M2 polarization and tumor progression.

Results

The key genes of PDAC-derived exosomes promoting M2-type macrophage polarization were identified, and a risk score model was established. The risk score is related to the expression of common immune checkpoints, immune score, and stromal score, and the tumor mutational burden and biological function of high- and low-risk groups were also different. S100A9 was positively correlated with M2-type macrophage marker. In addition, scRNA-seq data from the TISCH2 database revealed that S100A9 is predominantly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells and mono/macrophage cells, suggesting that S100A9 in pancreatic cancer cells could be received by macrophages, thereby inducing macrophage polarization. In vitro, we used exosomes from BxPC-3 cell lines to coculture macrophages and found that macrophages were mainly polarized toward M2 type, which further promoted the proliferation and metastasis of PDAC.

Conclusions

Our study established a reliable risk score model for PDAC-derived exosomes and M2 macrophages, identified the important role of S100A9 in macrophage M2 polarization, which provides a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of PDAC, and strengthened the understanding of the mechanism of tumor development and metastasis.

Chiral Supramolecular Nanofibers Regulated Tumor-Derived Exosomes Secretion for Constructing an Anti-Tumor Extracellular Microenvironment

Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) induced extracellular microenvironment has recently been validated to be critical for tumor progression and metastasis, however, remodeling it for oncotherapy still remains a major challenge due to difficulty in regulation of TDEs secretion. Herein, the supramolecular chiral nanofibers, composed of L/D -phenylalanine derivates (L/D-Phe) and linear hyaluronic acid (HA), are successfully employed to construct TDEs induced anti-tumor extracellular microenvironment. The left-handed L-Phe @HA nanofibers significantly inhibit TDEs secretion into extracellular microenvironment, which results in suppression of tumor proliferation and metastasis in vitro and vivo. Biological assays and theoretical modeling reveal that these results are mainly attributed to strong adsorption of the key exosomes transporters (Ras-related protein Rab-27A and synaptosome-associated protein 23) on left-handed L-Phe @HA nanofibers via enhanced stereoselective interaction, leading to degradation and phosphorylated dropping of exosomes transporters. Subsequently, transfer function of exosomes transporters is limited, which causes remarkable inhibition of TDEs secretion. These findings provide a promising novel insight of chiral functional materials to establish an anti-tumor extracellular microenvironment via regulation of TDEs secretion.

Endothelial-derived small extracellular vesicles support B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia development

PURPOSE

The bone marrow niche plays an important role in leukemia development. However, the contributions of different niche components to leukemia development and their underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear.

METHOD

Cre/LoxP-based conditional knockout technology was used to delete VPS33B or ANGPTL2 gene in niche cells. Murine B-ALL model was established by overexpressing the N-Myc oncogene in hematopoietic stem progenitor cells. The frequency of leukemia cells and immunophenotypic B220+ CD43+ LICs was detected by flow cytometry. SEVs was isolated by sequential centrifugation and mass spectrometry was performed to analyze the different components of SEVs. Immunoprecipitation and western blot were used to measure the interaction of VPS33B and ANGPTL2.

RESULTS

Here, we showed that specific knockout of vascular protein sorting 33b (Vps33b) in endothelial cells (ECs), but not megakaryocytes or mesenchymal stem cells, resulted in a significant decrease in the secretion of small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) and a delay in the development of B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Vps33b knockdown endothelial cells contained much lower levels of SEVs that contained angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) than the control cells. Importantly, conditional knockout of Angptl2 in ECs significantly delayed B-ALL progression. Moreover, C-terminal region of ANGPTL2 (aa247-471) could directly interact with Sec1-like domain 1 of VPS33B (aa1-aa146). We further demonstrated that the point mutations R399H and G402S in ANGPTL2 led to a dramatic decrease in the secretion of ANGPTL2-SEVs. We also showed that wild-type ANGPTL2-containing SEVs, but not mutant ANGPTL2-containing SEVs, significantly enhanced B-ALL development.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our findings indicate that the secretion of ANGPTL2-containing SEVs in ECs sustains the leukemogenic activities of B-ALL cells, which is fine-tuned by the direct interaction of VPS33B and ANGPTL2. These findings reveal that niche-specific SEVs play an important role in B-ALL development.

Exosomal circRHCG promotes breast cancer metastasis via facilitating M2 polarization through TFEB ubiquitination and degradation

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive cancer with distant metastasis. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that exosomes are involved in TNBC metastasis. Elucidating the mechanism underlying TNBC metastasis has important clinical significance. In the present study, exosomes were isolated from clinical specimens and TNBC cell lines. Colony formation, EdU incorporation, wound healing, and transwell assays were performed to examine TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Macrophage polarization was evaluated by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR analysis of polarization markers. A mouse model of subcutaneous tumor was established for assessment of tumor growth and metastasis. RNA pull-down, RIP and Co-IP assays were used for analyzing molecular interactions. Here, we proved that high abundance of circRHCG was observed in exosomes derived from TNBC patients, and increased exosomal circRHCG indicated poor prognosis. Silencing of circRHCG suppressed TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. TNBC cell-derived exosomes promoted M2 polarization via delivering circRHCG. Exosomal circRHCG stabilized BTRC mRNA via binding FUS and naturally enhanced BTRC expression, thus promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of TFEB in THP-1 cells. In addition, knockdown of BTRC or overexpression of TFEB counteracted exosomal circRHCG-mediated facilitation of M2 polarization. Furthermore, exosomal circRHCG promoted TNBC cell proliferation and metastasis by facilitating M2 polarization. Knockdown of circRHCG reduced tumor growth, metastasis, and M2 polarization through the BTRC/TFEB axis in vivo. In summary, exosomal circRHCG promotes M2 polarization by stabilizing BTRC and promoting TFEB degradation, thereby accelerating TNBC metastasis and growth. Our study provides promising therapeutic strategies against TNBC.

Extracellular vesicles in the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia scenario: an update about the shuttling of disease markers and therapeutic molecules

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are various sets of cell-derived membranous structures containing lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins secreted by both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. It is now well recognized that EVs are key intercellular communication mediators, allowing the functional transfer of bioactive chemicals from one cell to another in both healthy and pathological pathways. It is evident that the condition of the producer cells heavily influences the composition of EVs. Hence, phenotypic changes in the parent cells are mirrored in the design of the secreted EVs. As a result, EVs have been investigated for a wide range of medicinal and diagnostic uses in different hematological diseases. EVs have only recently been studied in the context of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a blood malignancy defined by the chromosomal rearrangement t(9;22) and the fusion gene BCR-ABL1. The findings range from the impact on pathogenesis to the possible use of EVs as medicinal chemical carriers. This review aims to provide for the first time an update on our understanding of EVs as carriers of CML biomarkers for minimal residual disease monitoring, therapy response, and its management, as well as the limited reports on the use of EVs as therapeutic shuttles for innovative treatment approaches.

Leukemia-derived Exosomes Can Induce Responses Related to Tumorigenesis on Non-tumoral Astrocytes

Cancer is the second cause of disability and death worldwide. Identifying communication between cancer cells and normal cells can shed light on the underlying metastatic mechanisms. Among different suspected mechanisms, exosomes derived from cancer cells have been introduced as a main key player in metastatic processes. To this point, we evaluated the effects of exosomes derived from the leukemia nalm6 cell line on astrocytes behavior, such as proliferation and inflammatory pathways. To assess astrocyte responses, data were obtained by MTT, Annexin/PI to indicate proliferation and apoptosis. Further analyses were performed by Real-time PCR and western blot to assess the expression of IL6, IL1β, NFkβ, TNFα, and aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Our results demonstrated that the proliferation of astrocytes was significantly increased when treated with exosomes derived from Nalm6 cells. We also found that the expression of IL6, IL1β, NFkβ, and TNFα were significantly increased at the mRNA level when exposed to exosomes derived from Nalm6 cells. Finally, the mRNA and protein levels of AQP4 were profoundly increased after being treated by exosomes derived from Nalm6 cells. To sum up, our data indicated that the secretion of cancer cells could induce responses related to tumorigenesis. However, further studies on this topic are warranted to clarify exosomes' role in metastasis.

Advances in the research of exosomes in renal cell carcinoma: from mechanisms to applications

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most malignant urological tumors. Currently, there is a lack of molecular markers for early diagnosis of RCC. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage RCC is generally favorable; however, the prognosis takes a significant downturn when the tumor progresses to distant metastasis. Therefore, the identification of molecular markers for RCC is crucial in enhancing early diagnosis rates. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle (EV) typically ranging in size from 30 nm to 150 nm, which contain RNA, DNA, proteins, lipids, etc. They can impact neighboring receptor cells through the autocrine or paracrine pathway, influence cellular communication, and regulate the local immune cells, consequently shaping the tumor immune microenvironment and closely associating with tumor development. The clinical application of exosomes as tumor markers and therapeutic targets has ignited significant interest within the research community. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the advancements in exosome research within the context of RCC.

Role of exosomes in transferring chemoresistance through modulation of cancer glycolytic cell metabolism

Chemoresistance constitute a major obstacle in cancer treatment, leading to limited options and decreased patient survival. Recent studies have revealed a novel mechanism of chemoresistance acquisition: the transfer of information via exosomes, small vesicles secreted by various cells. Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication by carrying proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites, influencing cancer cell behavior and response to treatment. One crucial mechanism of resistance is cancer metabolic reprogramming, which involves alterations in the cellular metabolic pathways to support the survival and proliferation of drug-resistant cancer cells. This metabolic reprogramming often includes increased glycolysis, providing cancer cells with the necessary energy and building blocks to evade the effects of chemotherapy. Notably, exosomes have been found to transport glycolytic enzymes, as identified in proteomic profiling, leading to the reprogramming of metabolic pathways, facilitating altered glucose metabolism and increased lactate production. As a result, they profoundly impact the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor progression, survival, immune evasion, and drug resistance.Understanding the complexities of such exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication might open new therapeutic avenues and facilitate biomarker development in managing cancers characterized by aggressive glycolytic features. Moreover, given the intricate nature of metabolic abnormalities combining future exosome-based-targeted therapies with existing treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies holds promise for achieving synergistic effects to overcome resistance and improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Small extracellular vesicle TGF-β in cancer progression and immune evasion

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a well-known cytokine that controls various processes in normal physiology and disease context. Strong preclinical and clinical literature supports the crucial roles of the TGF-β in several aspects of cancer biology. Recently emerging evidence reveals that the release of TGF-β from tumor/immune/stromal cells in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) plays an important part in tumor development and immune evasion. Hence, this review aims to address the packaging, release, and signaling pathways of TGF-β carried in sEVs (sEV-TGF-β) in cancer, and to explore its underpinning roles in tumor development, growth, progression, metastasis, etc. We also highlight key progresses in deciphering the roles of sEV-TGF-β in subverting anti-tumor immune responses. The paper ends with a focus on the clinical significance of TGF-β carried in sEVs and draws attention to its diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic importance.

Extracellular vesicles in hematological malignancies: EV-dence for reshaping the tumoral microenvironment

Following their discovery at the end of the 20th century, extracellular vesicles (EVs) ranging from 50-1,000 nm have proven to be paramount in the progression of many cancers, including hematological malignancies. EVs are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived membranous structures that include small EVs (commonly called exosomes) and large EVs (microparticles). They have been demonstrated to participate in multiple physiological and pathological processes by allowing exchange of biological material (including among others proteins, DNA and RNA) between cells. They are therefore a crucial way of intercellular communication. In this context, malignant cells can release these extracellular vesicles that can influence their microenvironment, induce the formation of a tumorigenic niche, and prepare and establish distant niches facilitating metastasis by significantly impacting the phenotypes of surrounding cells and turning them toward supportive roles. In addition, EVs are also able to manipulate the immune response and to establish an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This in turn allows for ideal conditions for heightened chemoresistance and increased disease burden. Here, we review the latest findings and reports studying the effects and therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles in various hematological malignancies. The study of extracellular vesicles remains in its infancy; however, rapid advances in the analysis of these vesicles in the context of disease allow us to envision prospects to improve the detection and treatment of hematological malignancies.

Application of cell-derived exosomes in the hematological malignancies therapy

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin that are produced by both tumor and normal cells and can be found in physiological fluids like plasma and cell culture supernatants. They include cytokines, growth factors, proteins, lipids, RNAs, and metabolites and are important intercellular communication controllers in several disorders. According to a vast amount of research, exosomes could support or inhibit tumor start and diffusion in a variety of solid and hematological malignancies by paracrine signaling. Exosomes are crucial therapeutic agents for a variety of illnesses, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. This review discusses the most current and encouraging findings from in vitro and experimental in vivo research, as well as the scant number of ongoing clinical trials, with a focus on the impact of exosomes in the treatment of malignancies. Exosomes have great promise as carriers of medications, antagonists, genes, and other therapeutic materials that can be incorporated into their core in a variety of ways. Exosomes can also alter the metabolism of cancer cells, alter the activity of immunologic effectors, and alter non-coding RNAs, all of which can alter the tumor microenvironment and turn it from a pro-tumor to an anti-tumor milieu. This subject is covered in the current review, which also looks at how exosomes contribute to the onset and progression of hematological malignancies, as well as their importance in diagnosing and treating these conditions.

Engineering Extracellular Vesicles as Delivery Systems in Therapeutic Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are transport vesicles secreted by living cells and released into the extracellular environment. Recent studies have shown that EVs serve as "messengers" in intercellular and inter-organismal communication, in both normal and pathological processes. EVs, as natural nanocarriers, can deliver bioactivators in therapy with their endogenous transport properties. This review article describes the engineering EVs of sources, isolation method, cargo loading, boosting approach, and adjustable targeting of EVs. Furthermore, the review summarizes the recent progress made in EV-based delivery systems applications, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, liver, kidney, nervous system diseases, and COVID-19 and emphasizes the obstacles and challenges of EV-based therapies and possible strategies.

Association between abnormal lipid metabolism and tumor

Metabolic Reprogramming is a sign of tumor, and as one of the three major substances metabolism, lipid has an obvious impact. Abnormal lipid metabolism is related to the occurrence of various diseases, and the proportion of people with abnormal lipid metabolism is increasing year by year. Lipid metabolism is involved in the occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis of tumors by regulating various oncogenic signal pathways. The differences in lipid metabolism among different tumors are related to various factors such as tumor origin, regulation of lipid metabolism pathways, and diet. This article reviews the synthesis and regulatory pathways of lipids, as well as the research progress on cholesterol, triglycerides, sphingolipids, lipid related lipid rafts, adipocytes, lipid droplets, and lipid-lowering drugs in relation to tumors and their drug resistance. It also points out the limitations of current research and potential tumor treatment targets and drugs in the lipid metabolism pathway. Research and intervention on lipid metabolism abnormalities may provide new ideas for the treatment and survival prognosis of tumors.

Exosomes in metastasis of colorectal cancers: Friends or foes?

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common type of cancer worldwide, threaten human health and quality of life. With multidisciplinary, including surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, patients with an early diagnosis of CRC can have a good prognosis. However, metastasis in CRC patients is the main risk factor causing cancer-related death. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRC metastasis is the difficult and research focus on the investigation of the CRC mechanism. On the other hand, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been confirmed as having an essential role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of malignancies, including CRCs. Among the different factors in the TME, exosomes as extracellular vesicles, function as bridges in the communication between cancer cells and different components of the TME to promote the progression and metastasis of CRC. MicroRNAs packaged in exosomes can be derived from different sources and transported into the TME to perform oncogenic or tumor-suppressor roles accordingly. This article focuses on CRC exosomes and illustrates their role in regulating the metastasis of CRC, especially through the packaging of miRNAs, to evoke exosomes as novel biomarkers for their impact on the metastasis of CRC progression.

The CRISPR/Cas9 System Delivered by Extracellular Vesicles

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems can precisely manipulate DNA sequences to change the characteristics of cells and organs, which has potential in the mechanistic research on genes and the treatment of diseases. However, clinical applications are restricted by the lack of safe, targeted and effective delivery vectors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an attractive delivery platform for CRISPR/Cas9. Compared with viral and other vectors, EVs present several advantages, including safety, protection, capacity, penetrating ability, targeting ability and potential for modification. Consequently, EVs are profitably used to deliver the CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of the delivery form and vectors of the CRISPR/Cas9 are concluded. The favorable traits of EVs as vectors, such as the innate characteristics, physiological and pathological functions, safety and targeting ability of EVs, are summarized. Furthermore, in terms of the delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 by EVs, EV sources and isolation strategies, the delivery form and loading methods of the CRISPR/Cas9 and applications have been concluded and discussed. Finally, this review provides future directions of EVs as vectors of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in clinical applications, such as the safety, capacity, consistent quality, yield and targeting ability of EVs.

Exosomes as crucial emerging tools for intercellular communication with therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer

More than two-thirds of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients are diagnosed at advanced stages due to the lack of sensitive biomarkers. Currently, exosomes are intensively investigated as non-invasive cancer diagnostic markers. Exosomes are nanovesicles released in the extracellular milieu with the potential to modulate recipient cells' behavior. EOC cells release many altered exosomal cargoes that exhibit clinical relevance to tumor progression. Exosomes represent powerful therapeutic tools (drug carriers or vaccines), posing a promising option in clinical practice for curing EOC in the near future. In this review, we highlight the importance of exosomes in cell–cell communication, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and their potential to serve as diagnostic and prognostic factors, particularly in EOC.

Exploring RAB11A Pathway to Hinder Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-Induced Angiogenesis In Vivo

Neoangiogenesis is generally correlated with poor prognosis, due to the promotion of cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis. The progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is frequently associated with an increased vascular density in bone marrow. From a molecular point of view, the small GTP-binding protein Rab11a, involved in the endosomal slow recycling pathway, has been shown to play a crucial role for the neoangiogenic process at the bone marrow of CML patients, by controlling the secretion of exosomes by CML cells, and by regulating the recycling of vascular endothelial factor receptors. The angiogenic potential of exosomes secreted by the CML cell line K562 has been previously observed using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Herein, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionalized with an anti-RAB11A oligonucleotide (AuNP@RAB11A) to downregulate RAB11A mRNA in K562 cell line which showed a 40% silencing of the mRNA after 6 h and 14% silencing of the protein after 12 h. Then, using the in vivo CAM model, these exosomes secreted by AuNP@RAB11A incubated K562 did not present the angiogenic potential of those secreted from untreated K562 cells. These results demonstrate the relevance of Rab11 for the neoangiogenesis mediated by tumor exosomes, whose deleterious effect may be counteracted via targeted silencing of these crucial genes; thus, decreasing the number of pro-tumoral exosomes at the tumor microenvironment.

Exosomes in Colorectal Cancer: From Physiology to Clinical Applications

Exosomes are nanosized vesicles that have been found to be involved in many diseases. Exosomes can mediate communication between cells in a variety of ways. Certain types of mediators derived from cancer cells can play a crucial role in the development of this pathology, promoting tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. Exosomes in the bloodstream show promise as a future tool for detecting cancer at an early stage. The sensitivity and specificity of clinical exosome biomarkers need to be enhanced. Knowledge of exosomes is not only important for understanding the significance of cancer progression but also for providing clinicians with useful information for the diagnosis, treatment, and discovery of methods to prevent cancer from recurring. The widespread adoption of diagnostic tools based on exosomes may revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment. Tumor metastasis, chemoresistance, and immunity are all aided by exosomes. A potential new approach to cancer therapy involves preventing metastasis by inhibiting miRNA intracellular signaling and blocking the formation of pre-metastatic niches. For colorectal patients, exosomes represent a promising area of investigation for improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management. Reported data demonstrate that the serum expression level of certain exosomal miRNA is significantly higher in primary colorectal cancer patients. The present review discusses mechanisms and clinical implications of exosomes in colorectal cancer.

Tumour‑derived exosomes and their emerging roles in leukaemia (Review)

Exosomes are small vesicles with a diameter of ~40-100 nm that are secreted by the majority of endogenous cells under normal and pathological conditions. They contain abundant proteins, lipids, microRNAs, and biomolecules such as signal transduction molecules, adhesion factors and cytoskeletal proteins, and play an important role in exchanging materials and transmitting information between cells. Recent studies have shown that exosomes are involved in the pathophysiology of leukaemia by affecting the bone marrow microenvironment, apoptosis, tumour angiogenesis, immune escape and chemotherapy resistance. Furthermore, exosomes are potential biomarkers and drug carriers for leukaemia, impacting the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia. The present study describes the biogenesis and general characteristics of exosomes, and then highlight the emerging roles of exosomes in different types of leukaemia. Finally, the value of clinical application of exosomes as biomarkers and drug carriers is discussed with the aim to provide novel strategies for the treatment of leukaemia.

Pancreatic cancer, stroma, and exosomes

In the pathogenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, tumor stroma plays a key role in both aggressiveness, immune evasion, resistance to chemotherapy, and the ability to metastasize. Among the elements that characterize the behavior of the stroma, extracellular vesicles and, in particular, exosomes play an important role. These extracellular vesicles carry a wide range of bioactive molecules, from transcription factors to microRNAs, which can substantially alter the phenotype of the cellular components of the stroma. Exosomes are involved in the exchange of signals between tumor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and also with the healthy cells surrounding the tumor. They can transfer resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, modify the phenotype of macrophages, or induce the expression of molecules that alter the extracellular matrix to facilitate migration and metastasis. On the other hand, all these characteristics make these vesicles first-rate therapeutic targets, as controlling their functionality could greatly enhance the effectiveness of treatments that, today, are still far from be satisfactory.

Extracellular Vesicles Are Important Mediators That Regulate Tumor Lymph Node Metastasis via the Immune System

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles with a lipid bilayer structure, and they are secreted by various cells in the body. EVs interact with and modulate the biological functions of recipient cells by transporting their cargoes, such as nucleic acids and proteins. EVs influence various biological phenomena, including disease progression. They also participate in tumor progression by stimulating a variety of signaling pathways and regulating immune system activation. EVs induce immune tolerance by suppressing CD8⁺ T-cell activation or polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, which results in tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, immune checkpoint molecules are also expressed on the surface of EVs that are secreted by tumors that express these molecules, allowing tumor cells to not only evade immune cell attack but also acquire resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. During tumor metastasis, EVs contribute to microenvironmental changes in distant organs before metastatic lesions appear; thus, EVs establish a premetastatic niche. In particular, lymph nodes are adjacent organs that are connected to tumor lesions via lymph vessels, so that tumor cells metastasize to draining lymph nodes at first, such as sentinel lymph nodes. When EVs influence the microenvironment of lymph nodes, which are secondary lymphoid tissues, the immune response against tumor cells is weakened; subsequently, tumor cells spread throughout the body. In this review, we will discuss the association between EVs and tumor progression via the immune system as well as the clinical application of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

Role of Exosomal Non-Coding RNA in the Tumour Microenvironment of Genitourinary System Tumours

In recent years, genitourinary system tumors are common in people of all ages, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients, the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases are constantly being updated and improved. Exosomes, with a lipid bilayer that enable delivery of their contents into body fluids or other cells. Exosomes can regulate the tumor microenvironment, and play an important role in tumor development. In turn, cellular and non-cellular components of tumor microenvironment also affect the occurrence, progression, invasion and metastasis of tumor. Non-coding RNAs have been shown to be able to be ingested and released by exosomes, and are seen as a potential tool in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, we summarize the effect of non-coding RNAs of exosome contents on the tumor microenvironment of genitourinary system tumor, expound the significance of non-coding RNAs of exosome in the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment and cancer immunoescape: foe or friend?

The major concept of "oxidative stress" is an excess elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are generated from vigorous metabolism and consumption of oxygen. The precise harmonization of oxidative stresses between mitochondria and other organelles in the cell is absolutely vital to cell survival. Under oxidative stress, ROS produced from mitochondria and are the major mediator for tumorigenesis in different aspects, such as proliferation, migration/invasion, angiogenesis, inflammation, and immunoescape to allow cancer cells to adapt to the rigorous environment. Accordingly, the dynamic balance of oxidative stresses not only orchestrate complex cell signaling events in cancer cells but also affect other components in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Immune cells, such as M2 macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells are the major components of the immunosuppressive TME from the ROS-induced inflammation. Based on this notion, numerous strategies to mitigate oxidative stresses in tumors have been tested for cancer prevention or therapies; however, these manipulations are devised from different sources and mechanisms without established effectiveness. Herein, we integrate current progress regarding the impact of mitochondrial ROS in the TME, not only in cancer cells but also in immune cells, and discuss the combination of emerging ROS-modulating strategies with immunotherapies to achieve antitumor effects.

Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in normal and malignant hematopoiesis

Hematopoietic stem cells, regulated by their microenvironment (or “niche”), sustain the production of mature blood and immune cells. Leukemia cells remodel the microenvironment to enhance their survival, which is accompanied by the loss of support for normal hematopoiesis in hematologic malignancies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication in physiological and pathological conditions, and deciphering their functions in cell-cell interactions in the ecosystem can highlight potential therapeutic targets. In this Review, we illustrate the utility of EVs derived from various cell types, focusing on the biological molecules they contain and the behavioral alterations they can induce in recipient cells. We also discuss the potential for clinical application in hematologic malignancies, including EV-based therapeutic regimens, drug delivery via EVs, and the use of EVs (or their cargoes) as biomarkers.

Exosome application in treatment and diagnosis of B-cell disorders: leukemias, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis rheumatoid

Exosomes, known as a type of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are lipid particles comprising heterogeneous contents such as nucleic acids, proteins, and DNA. These bi-layered particles are naturally released into the extracellular periphery by a variety of cells such as neoplastic cells. Given that exosomes have unique properties, they can be used as vectors and carriers of biological and medicinal particles like drugs for delivering to the desired areas. The proteins and RNAs being encompassed by the circulating exosomes in B-cell malignancies are deemed as the promising sources for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic agents. Exosomes can also provide a "snapshot" view of the tumor and metastatic landscape at any particular time. Further, clinical research has shown that exosomes are produced by immune cells such as dendritic cells can stimulate the immune system, so these exosomes can be used in antitumor vaccines. Despite the great potential of exosomes in the fields of diagnostic and treatment, further studies are in need for these purposes to reach a convergence notion. This review highlights the applications of exosomes in multiple immune-related diseases, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis rheumatoid, as well as explaining sundry aspects of exosome therapy and the function of exosomes in diagnosing diseases.

Canine B Cell Lymphoma- and Leukemia-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Moderate Differentiation and Cytokine Production of T and B Cells In Vitro

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are formed in physiological and pathological conditions by almost all mammalian cells. They are known as submicron “molecules” that transport and horizontally transfer their cargo from maternal cells to donor cells. Moreover, cancer cells produce tumor-derived EVs (TEVs), which are present in blood of patients with solid tumors and those with hematological malignancies. Their role in evading immune system surveillance and induction of immunosuppression in hematological cancer is limited. According to the authors’ best knowledge, there is no information about the impact of TEVs from canine lymphoma (CLBL-1) and leukemia (CLB70) on lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In conclusion, we demonstrate in in vitro experiments that CLBL-1 EVs and CLB70 EVs are effectively taken up by T and B lymphocytes. TEVs decrease the percentage of B lymphocytes and increase that of T lymphocytes, and change T cells’ phenotype into the effector memory (EM) or terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) subtype after in vitro co-culturing. Moreover, CLBL70 EVs have pro-tumorogenic properties by inhibiting the production of CD8+IL-17+ cells.

In silico mutational analysis to identify the role and pathogenicity of BCL-w missense variants

Background

Intrinsic pathway of apoptosis is generally mediated by BCL-2 (B cell lymphoma 2) family of proteins; they either induce or inhibit the apoptosis. Overexpression of BCL-2 in cancer cell may lead to delay in apoptosis. BCL-w is the pro-survival member of the BCL-2 family. BCL2L2 gene is present on chromosome number 14 in humans, and it encodes BCL-w protein; BCL-w protein is 193 amino acids residues in length. Interactions among the BCL-2 proteins are very specific. The fate of cell is determined by the ratio of pro-apoptotic proteins to pro-survival proteins. BCL-w promotes cell survival. Studies suggested that overexpression of BCL-w protein is associated with many cancers including DLBCL, BL, colorectal cancers, gastric cancers, and many more. The cause of overexpression is translocations or gene amplification which will subsequently result in cancerous activity.

Process

For in-silico analysis, BCL2L2 gene was retrieved from UniProt (UniProt ID: Q92843). 54 missense variants have been collected in BCL-w proteins from COSMIC database. Different tools were used to detect the deleteriousness of the variants.

Result

In silico mutational study reveals how the non-synonymous mutations directly affect the protein’s native structure and its function. Variant mutational analysis with PolyPhen-2 revealed that out of 55 variants, 28 of the missense mutations was probably damaging with a score ranging from 0.9 to 1, while 24 variants were benign with a score ranging from 0 to 0.4.

Conclusions

This in silico work aims to determine how missense mutations in BCL-w protein affect the activity of the protein, the stability of the protein, and to determine the pathogenicity of the variants. Prediction of pathogenicity of variants will reveal if the missense mutation has a damaging effect on the native structure of protein or not. Prediction of protein stability will reveal whether the mutation has a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on the protein.

Extracellular Vesicles in Myeloid Neoplasms

Myeloid neoplasms arise from malignant primitive cells, which exhibit growth advantage within the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The interaction between these malignant cells and BMM cells is critical for the progression of these diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bound vesicles secreted into the extracellular space and involved in intercellular communication. Recent studies have described RNA and protein alterations in EVs isolated from myeloid neoplasm patients compared to healthy controls. The altered expression of various micro-RNAs is the best-described feature of EVs of these patients. Some of these micro-RNAs induce growth-related pathways such as AKT/mTOR and promote the acquisition of stem cell-like features by malignant cells. Another well-described characteristic of EVs in myeloid neoplasms is their ability to suppress healthy hematopoiesis either via direct effect on healthy CD34+ cells or via alteration of the differentiation of BMM cells. These results support a role of EVs in the pathogenesis of myeloid neoplasms. mainly through mediating the interaction between malignant and BMM cells, and warrant further study to better understand their biology. In this review, we describe the reported alterations of EV composition in myeloid neoplasms and the recent discoveries supporting their involvement in the development and progression of these diseases.

Advancement in exosome-based cancer therapeutics: A new era in cancer treatment

In the modern era of rapid development and advancement in cancer therapeutics and management, there is a growing awareness in the application of exosomes as a potential tool to target cancer cells. Exosomes are cell-derived nano-vesicles that modulate intercellular communications and transport. Due to their ideal native structure and characteristics, exosomes have emerged as a promising nanocarrier for clinical use. Nevertheless, their medical application is coupled with some intrinsic restrictions which hinder their widespread use. In order to make exosomes more effective, they are engineered at the cellular level to develop designer exosomes. The focus of this review is to summarize the various exosome bio-engineering approaches aimed at the development of designer exosomes and their application in cancer treatment.

Exosomes as Theranostic Targets: Implications for the Clinical Prognosis of Aggressive Cancers

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles produced by various cell types and extensively distributed in physiological fluids. Because of their significant role in cancer progression, they have been a focal point for the novel cancer therapy approach. Exosomes are highly efficient at transporting proteins, RNAs, and small drugs into cancer cells for therapeutic purposes. In addition to their prominent role as potential biomarkers for transporting targeted information from their progenitor cells, exosomes have also emerged as a new avenue for developing more effective clinical diagnostics and therapeutic techniques, also known as exosome theranostics. Lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids transported by exosomes were investigated as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and future cancer treatment targets. The unique mechanism of exosomes and their therapeutic as well as diagnostic uses, also known as theranostic applications of exosomes in malignancies, are discussed in this review.

The Role of Exosomes in the Progression and Therapeutic Resistance of Hematological Malignancies

Exosomes are membrane limited structures which derive from cell membranes and cytoplasm. When released into extracellular space, they circulate through the extracellular fluid, including the peripheral blood and tissue fluid. Exosomes surface molecules mediate their targeting to specific recipient cells and deliver their contents to recipient cells by receptor-ligand interaction and/or phagocytosis and/or endocytosis or direct fusion with cell membrane. Exosomes contain many functional molecules, including nucleic acids (DNAs, mRNAs, non-coding RNAs), proteins (transcription factors, enzymes), and lipids which have biological activity. By passing these cargos, exosomes can transfer information between cells. In this way, exosomes are extensively involved in physiological and pathological processes, such as angiogenesis, matrix reprogramming, coagulation, tumor progression. In recent years, researcher have found that exosomes from malignant tumors can mediate information exchange between tumor cells or between tumor cells and non-tumor cells, thereby promoting tumor survival, progression, and resistance to therapy. In this review, we discuss the pro-tumor and anti-therapeutic effects of exosomes in hematological malignancies, hoping to contribute to the early conquest of hematological malignancy.

Exosome-Mediated Therapeutic Strategies for Management of Solid and Hematological Malignancies

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin containing cytokines, RNAs, growth factors, proteins, lipids, and metabolites. They have been identified as fundamental intercellular communication controllers in several diseases and an enormous volume of data confirmed that exosomes could either sustain or inhibit tumor onset and diffusion in diverse solid and hematological malignancies by paracrine signaling. Thus, exosomes might constitute a promising cell-free tumor treatment alternative. This review focuses on the effects of exosomes in the treatment of tumors, by discussing the most recent and promising data from in vitro and experimental in vivo studies and the few existing clinical trials. Exosomes are extremely promising as transporters of drugs, antagomir, genes, and other therapeutic substances that can be integrated into their core via different procedures. Moreover, exosomes can augment or inhibit non-coding RNAs, change the metabolism of cancer cells, and modify the function of immunologic effectors thus modifying the tumor microenvironment transforming it from pro-tumor to antitumor milieu. Here, we report the development of currently realized exosome modifiers that offer indications for the forthcoming elaboration of other more effective methods capable of enhancing the activity of the exosomes.

4-1BBL-containing leukemic extracellular vesicles promote immunosuppressive effector regulatory T cells

Chronic and acute myeloid leukemia (CML, AML) evade immune system surveillance and induce immunosuppression by expanding pro-leukemic Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). High levels of immunosuppressive Tregs predict inferior response to chemotherapy, leukemia relapse and shorter survival. However, mechanisms that promote Tregs in myeloid leukemias remain largely unexplored. Here, we identify leukemic extracellular vesicles (EVs) as drivers of effector, pro-leukemic Tregs. Using mouse model of CML-like disease, we found that Rab27a-dependent secretion of leukemic EVs promoted leukemia engraftment, which was associated with higher abundance of activated, immunosuppressive Tregs. Leukemic EVs attenuated mTOR-S6 and activated STAT5 signaling, as well as evoked significant transcriptomic changes in Tregs. We further identified specific effector signature of Tregs promoted by leukemic EVs. Leukemic EVs-driven Tregs were characterized by elevated expression of effector/tumor Treg markers CD39, CCR8, CD30, TNFR2, CCR4, TIGIT, IL21R and included two distinct, effector Treg (eTreg) subsets - CD30+CCR8hiTNFR2hi eTreg1 and CD39+TIGIThi eTreg2. Finally, we showed that costimulatory ligand 4-1BBL/CD137L, shuttled by leukemic EVs, promoted suppressive activity and effector phenotype of Tregs by regulating expression of receptors such as CD30 and TNFR2. Collectively, our work highlights the role of leukemic extracellular vesicles in stimulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and leukemia growth. We postulate that targeting of Rab27a-dependent secretion of leukemic EVs may be a viable therapeutic approach in myeloid neoplasms.

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles and the eye

Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles which accommodate a cargo of bioactive biomolecules that generally includes proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, sugars, and related conjugates depicting the cellular environment and are known to mediate a wide array of biological functions, like cellular communication, cellular differentiation, immunomodulation, neovascularization, and cellular waste management. The exponential implication of exosomes in the pathological development and progression of various disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer has offered a tremendous opportunity for exploring their role in ocular conditions. Ocular diseases such as age-related macular disease, glaucoma, infectious endophthalmitis, diabetic retinopathy, autoimmune uveitis etc face various challenges in their early diagnosis and treatments due to contributing factors such as delay in the onset of symptoms, microbial identification, difficulty in obtaining samples for biopsy or being diagnosed as masquerade syndromes. Studies have reported unique exosomal cargos that are involved in successful delivery of miRNA or proteins to recipient cells to express desired expression or exploited as a diagnostic marker for various diseases. Furthermore, engineered exosomes can be used for targeted delivery of therapeutics and exosomes being natural nanoparticles found in all types of cells, host may not elicit an immune response against it. With the rapid advancement of opting personalized therapeutics, extending exosomal research to sight-threatening ocular infections can possibly advance the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review briefs about the current knowledge of exosomes in visual systems, advancements in exosomal and ophthalmic research, participation of exosomes in the pathogenesis of common ocular diseases, the challenges for exosomal therapies along with the future of this promising domain of research for diseases that fatally threaten billions of people worldwide.

Extracellular vesicles derived from radioresistant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells contribute to the acquisition of radioresistance via the miR-503-3p-BAK axis

Despite advancements in treatments, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not significantly improved in prognosis or survival rate primarily due to the presence of treatment-resistant OSCC. The intercellular communication between tumour cells is a molecular mechanism involved in acquiring OSCC treatment resistance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and encapsulated miRNAs are important mediators of intercellular communication. Here, we focused on EVs released from clinically relevant radioresistant (CRR) OSCC cells. Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between miRNA expression in the serum samples of patients who showed resistance to radiotherapy and in EVs released from CRR OSCC cells. We found that EVs released from CRR OSCC cells conferred radioresistance to radiosensitive OSCC cells via miR-503-3p contained in EVs. This miR-503-3p inhibited BAK and impaired the caspase cascade to suppress radiation-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, OSCC cells with BAK knockdown had increased radioresistance. Additionally, the expression of circulating miR-503-3p in patients with OSCC was correlated with a poor treatment response and prognosis of radiotherapy. Our results provide new insights into the relationship between EVs and the radioresistance of OSCC and suggest that the miR-503-3p-BAK axis may be a therapeutic target and that circulating miR-503-3p is a useful prognostic biomarker in the radiotherapy of OSCC.

Role of cell-free network communication in alcohol-associated disorders and liver metastasis

The aberrant use of alcohol is a major factor in cancer progression and metastasis. Contributing mechanisms include the systemic effects of alcohol and the exchange of bioactive molecules between cancerous and non-cancerous cells along the brain-gut-liver axis. Such interplay leads to changes in molecular, cellular, and biological functions resulting in cancer progression. Recent investigations have examined the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer mechanisms in addition to their contribution as diagnostic biomarkers. Also, EVs are emerging as novel cell-free mediators in pathophysiological scenarios including alcohol-mediated gut microbiome dysbiosis and the release of nanosized EVs into the circulatory system. Interestingly, EVs in cancer patients are enriched with oncogenes, miRNA, lipids, and glycoproteins whose delivery into the hepatic microenvironment may be enhanced by the detrimental effects of alcohol. Proof-of-concept studies indicate that alcohol-associated liver disease is impacted by the effects of exosomes, including altered immune responses, reprogramming of stromal cells, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Moreover, the culmination of alcohol-related changes in the liver likely contributes to enhanced hepatic metastases and poor outcomes for cancer patients. This review summarizes the numerous aspects of exosome communications between organs with emphasis on the relationship of EVs in alcohol-associated diseases and cancer metastasis. The potential impact of EV cargo and release along a multi-organ axis is highly relevant to the promotion of tumorigenic mechanisms and metastatic disease. It is hypothesized that EVs target recipient tissues to initiate the formation of prometastatic niches and cancer progression. The study of alcohol-associated mechanisms in metastatic cancers is expected to reveal a better understanding of factors involved in the growth of secondary malignancies as well as novel approaches for therapeutic interventions.

Designer Exosomes: Smart Nano-Communication Tools for Translational Medicine

Exosomes are the master transporters of genes, RNAs, microRNAs, proteins, and lipids. They have applications in major diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Delivery of the exosomes to recipient cells is governed by the functional heterogenicity of the tissues. Engineered exosomes are promising tools in tissue regeneration. In addition to their role as intracellular communication cargos, exosomes are increasingly primed as standard biomarkers in the progression of diseases, thereby solving the diagnostic dilemma. Futuristic empowerment of exosomes with OMICS strategy can undoubtedly be a bio-tool in translational medicine. This review discusses the advent transformation of exosomes in regenerative medicine and limitations that are caveats to broader applications in clinical use.

Exosomes-mediated tumor treatment: One body plays multiple roles

Exosomes are vesicles secreted by a variety of living cells, containing proteins, RNA and other components, which are nanoscale capsules commonly existed in the body. Exosomes play important roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes by participating in material and information exchange between cells, which can play multiple roles in tumor treatment. On the one hand, exosomes can be used as carriers and biomarkers, participate in the apoptosis signaling pathway and improve chemotherapy resistance, thus playing beneficial roles in tumor treatment. On the other hand, exosomes play unfavorable roles in tumor treatment. Tumor cell exosomes contain PD-L1, which is a nuclear weapon for tumor growth, metastasis, and immunosuppression. In addition, exosomes can not only promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, tumor angiogenesis and chemoresistance, but also participate in the autocrine pathway. In this review, the multiple roles of exosomes and their prospects in the treatment of tumor were reviewed in detail.

The role of Extracellular Vesicles during CNS development

With a diverse set of neuronal and glial cell populations, Central Nervous System (CNS) has one of the most complex structures in the body. Intercellular communication is therefore highly important to coordinate cell-to-cell interactions. Besides electrical and chemical messengers, CNS cells also benefit from another communication route, what is known as extracellular vesicles, to harmonize their interactions. Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and their subtype exosomes are membranous particles secreted by cells and contain information packaged in the form of biomolecules such as small fragments of DNA, lipids, miRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins. They are able to efficiently drive changes upon their arrival to recipient cells. EVs actively participate in all stages of CNS development by stimulating neural cell proliferation, differentiation, synaptic formation, and mediating reciprocal interactions between neurons and oligodendrocyte for myelination process. The aim of the present review is to enlighten the presence and contribution of EVs at each CNS developmental milestone.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia-derived exosome inhibits cytotoxicity of natural killer cells by TGF-β signaling pathway

This study was conducted to explore whether acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)-derived exosomes affect natural killer (NK) cells. Exosomes were isolated and identified from Jurkat cells and co-cultured with NK cells. Then, the cytotoxicity, viability, and release of perforin and granzyme B in NK92-MI cells were measured. PCR arrays were used to detect gene expression alterations in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway of NK92-MI cells treated or not treated with exosomes. The morphology and size of the exosomes isolated from Jurkat cells showed typical characteristics of exosomes, and the expression of cluster of differentiation 63 was detected. Jurkat-derived exosomes were internalized by NK92-MI cells, further inhibiting the proliferation and cytotoxicity of NK92-MI cells. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the release of perforin and granzyme B from NK92-MI cells decreased after co-culture with exosomes. Similarly, western blot and immunofluorescence staining verified that Jurkat-derived exosomes inhibited the expression of granzyme B and perforin. Furthermore, Jurkat-derived exosomes enhanced the signaling of the TGF-β pathway in NK92-MI cells via the MDS1 and EVI1 complex loci and homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2. In conclusion, we found that ALL-derived exosomes inhibit the biological function of NK cells and provide support for the immunotherapy of ALL.

Extracellular Vesicles and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging

[Figure: see text].

Exosomes in the pathogenesis and treatment of ocular diseases

Exosomes have diverse functions and rich content and are involved in intercellular communication, immune regulation, viral infection, tissue regeneration, and the occurrence, development and metastasis of tumours. Notably, various stem cell-derived exosomes are expected to become new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases and tumours and have good clinical application prospects. However, few studies have examined exosomes in ophthalmic diseases. Therefore, based on the functions of exosomes, this paper summarizes progress in the possible use of exosomes as treatment for specific ophthalmic diseases, aiming to determine the pathogenesis of exosomes to achieve more effective clinical diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

Reshaping the tumor microenvironment: extracellular vesicles as messengers of cancer cells

The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises an assortment of immune and non-immune cells. The interactions between the cancer cells and their surrounding TME are known to be a cardinal factor in all stages of cancer progression, from initiation to metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are considered two of the most abundant TME members associated with poor prognosis in various cancer types. Intercellular communication between the cancer cells and TME cells might occur via direct cell-cell contact or achieved through secreted factors such as cytokines, growth factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are released by almost every cell type and by cancer cells in particular. EVs are loaded with unique molecular cargos that might include DNA, proteins, RNA and lipids, commonly reflecting the physiological traits of their donor cells. Once released, EVs are capable of initiating short- and long-distance communication in an autocrine, paracrine and endocrine fashion. The molecular cargos within the EVs are able to impart phenotypic changes at the receiving end thus allowing EV-releasing cancer cells to deliver messages to TME cells and tighten their grasp over the cancerous tissue. In this concise review, we aim to document the bidirectional EV-based communication between cancer cell, TAMs and CAFs, tilting the balance in favor of cancer progression and metastasis.

Conceptual Analogies Between Multi-Scale Feeding and Feedback Cycles in Supermassive Black Hole and Cancer Environments

Adopting three physically-motivated scales (“micro” – “meso” – “macro”, which refer to mpc – kpc – Mpc, respectively) is paramount for achieving a unified theory of multiphase active galactic nuclei feeding and feedback, and it represents a keystone for astrophysical simulations and observations in the upcoming years. In order to promote this multi-scale idea, we have decided to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, exploring the possible conceptual similarities between supermassive black hole feeding and feedback cycles and the dynamics occurring in human cancer microenvironment.

Exosomes and Cancer Stem Cells in Cancer Immunity: Current Reports and Future Directions

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into various types of cells, are notorious for their roles in tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Thus, underlying mechanisms for their survival provide key insights into developing effective therapeutic strategies. A more recent focus has been on exosomes that play a role in transmitting information between CSCs and non-CSCs, resulting in activating CSCs for cancer progression and modulating their surrounding microenvironment. The field of CSC-derived exosomes (CSCEXs) for different types of cancer is still under exploration. A deeper understanding and further investigation into CSCEXs’ roles in tumorigenicity and the identification of novel exosomal components are necessary for engineering exosomes for the treatment of cancer. Here, we review the features of CSCEXs, including surface markers, cargo, and biological or physiological functions. Further, reports on the immunomodulatory effects of CSCEXs are summarized, and exosome engineering for CSC-targeting is also discussed.