We have collected the most exciting new researches in the field of genetics and cellular research in the past week.
Application of exosomes in tumor immunity: recent progresses
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, ranging in size from 30 to 150 nm. They contain proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other bioactive molecules, which play a crucial role in intercellular communication and material transfer. In tumor immunity, exosomes present various functions while the following two are of great importance: regulating the immune response and serving as delivery carriers. This review starts with the introduction of the formation, compositions, functions, isolation, characterization, and applications of exosomes, and subsequently discusses the current status of exosomes in tumor immunotherapy, and the recent applications of exosome-based tumor immunity regulation and antitumor drug delivery. Finally, current challenge and future prospects are proposed and hope to demonstrate inspiration for targeted readers in the field.
Harnessing Exosomes as a Platform for Drug Delivery in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review for In Vivo and In Vitro Studies
Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, emphasizing the critical need for effective treatment strategies, especially targeted therapies. This systematic review aims to summarize the findings from in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the therapeutic potential of exosomes as drug delivery platforms in the field of breast cancer treatment. A comprehensive search was conducted across bibliographic datasets, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, using relevant queries from several related published articles and the Medical Subject Headings Database. Then, all morphological, biomechanical, histopathological, and cellular-molecular outcomes were systematically collected. A total of 30 studies were identified based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. These studies underwent assessment using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of bias assessment tool. The results indicate that exosomes exhibit promise as effective drug delivery platforms, capable of hindering cancer cell viability, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. However, a comprehensive assessment is challenging due to some studies deviating from guidelines and having incomplete methodology. Addressing these, future studies should detail methodologies, optimize dosing, and enhance exosome production. Standardization in reporting, consistent protocols, and exploration of alternative sources are crucial.
Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid Hybrid Hydrogel-Loaded Exosomes Derived from Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Wound Healing in Mice
The treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds remains a major clinical challenge owing to inflammation, bacterial infection, reduced neovascularization, inadequate collagen deposition, and impaired wound re-epithelialization. To solve these problems, we have constructed a novel hydrogel delivery system, which is hereafter referred to as UCMSCs-exo@CS-HA, by loading umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC)-derived exosomes into a hydrogel comprising combined chitosan and hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte. The UCMSCs-exo@CS-HA hydrogel has a three-dimensional porous structure and excellent in vitro biological properties, drug-loading properties, and antibacterial properties. We evaluated the effect of UCMSCs-exo@CS-HA-induced wound healing in vivo by establishing a mouse model of a complete skin defect. The hydrogel reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factor cyclooxidase 2 (COX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and promoted the orderly deposition of collagen and wound angiogenesis. These results suggest that there is a relationship between inflammatory tissue, tissue fibrosis, and wound angiogenesis. In conclusion, the UCMSCs-exo@CS-HA hydrogel provides a new approach to the treatment of wounds.
Size-selective capturing of exosomes using DNA tripods
Understanding biomolecules is crucial for unraveling the mysteries of cellular function and disease. Among these biomolecules, extracellular vesicles (EVs) stand out as tiny packages containing valuable information about their cellular origins. However, traditional methods of purifying EVs involve complex and time-consuming processes that limit their utility, especially when working with small samples. Researchers at The University of Tokyo, have developed a novel approach that promises to revolutionize the purification and analysis of EVs.
The key innovation lies in the use of DNA origami technology—a technique that allows scientists to design and construct precise nanostructures out of DNA molecules. In their study, the researchers utilized a DNA origami tripod equipped with specific binding sites, such as antibodies targeting EV biomarkers. This tripod acts like a molecular trap, selectively capturing EVs carrying the desired biomolecules.