We have collected the most exciting new researches in the field of genetics and cellular research in the past week.
Exosomes: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications in Cancer Abstract
Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles produced by all cells, and they are present in various body fluids. Exosomes play crucial roles in tumor initiation/progression, immune suppression, immune surveillance, metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, and the polarization of macrophages. In this work, we summarize the mechanisms of exosome biogenesis and secretion. Since exosomes may be increased in the cancer cells and body fluids of cancer patients, exosomes and exosomal contents can be used as cancer diagnostic and prognostic markers. Exosomes contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These exosomal contents can be transferred into recipient cells. Therefore, this work details the roles of exosomes and exosomal contents in intercellular communications. Since exosomes mediate cellular interactions, exosomes can be targeted for developing anticancer therapy. This review summarizes current studies on the effects of exosomal inhibitors on cancer initiation and progression. Since exosomal contents can be transferred, exosomes can be modified to deliver molecular cargo such as anticancer drugs, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and micro RNAs (miRNAs). Thus, we also summarize recent advances in developing exosomes as drug delivery platforms. Exosomes display low toxicity, biodegradability, and efficient tissue targeting, which make them reliable delivery vehicles. We discuss the applications and challenges of exosomes as delivery vehicles in tumors, along with the clinical values of exosomes. In this review, we aim to highlight the biogenesis, functions, and diagnostic and therapeutic implications of exosomes in cancer.
Adipose tissue-derived exosomes contribute to obesity-associated liver diseases in long-term high-fat diet-fed mice, but not in short-term
Introduction
Our study aimed to investigate the changes in hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, insulin signaling, and lipid metabolism during the administration of a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice in order to identify correlations between obesity and metabolic disease development in the liver.
High efficiency preparation of monodisperse plasma membrane derived extracellular vesicles for therapeutic applications
Intro
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are highly interesting for the design of next-generation therapeutics. However, their preparation methods face challenges in standardization, yield, and reproducibility. University of Basel researchers have developed a highly efficient and reproducible EV preparation method for monodisperse nano plasma membrane vesicles (nPMVs), which yields 10 to 100 times more particles per cell and hour than conventional EV preparation methods. nPMVs are produced by homogenizing giant plasma membrane vesicles following cell membrane blebbing and apoptotic body secretion induced by chemical stressors....
Tau Filaments Found Tethered Inside Alzheimer's Brain Exosomes
Abstract
Tau tangles accumulate within neurons, but they are also thought to travel from cell to cell via extracellular vesicles. A study posted April 30 on bioRXiv provides startling support for this idea. For the first time, scientists used cryo-electron tomography to spy on the spatial organization of proteins within vesicles isolated from the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Why, hello there: They spotted filaments of tau nestled inside.
MicroRNAs in blood can tell a story about our mental health : Study
Abstract
Researchers have analysed microRNAs in extracellular vesicles (EVs), produced by most cells in the body including neurons and other nervous system cells, and found them to be associated with mental health disorders. The study by researchers at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP) in Brazil is published in the journal Translational Psychiatry.