We have collected the most exciting new researches in the field of genetics and cellular research in the past week.
Got milk? Exolitus has and is using it for exosomes
Exolitus, a startup founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, focuses on the large-scale manufacturing of native and engineered exosomes and other cell-derived nanovesicles from human and animal cells.
Contents of cell cargo carriers may offer insights into AS biomarkers
Exosomes, which are tiny carriers for cellular cargo, are found to have significantly different contents in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients compared with healthy people, which in turn has marked influences on immune cell function, according to a recent study.
Researchers specifically identified that the profile of molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) is different in patient exosomes, and that these exosomes lead to a suppression of immune cells that normally work to control inflammation.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and skin photoaging: From basic research to practical application
Abstract Background: Skin photoaging is a condition caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet irradiation, resulting in a variety of changes in the skin, such as capillary dilation, increased or absent pigmentation, dryness, sagging, and wrinkles. Stem cells possess a remarkable antioxidant capacity and the ability to proliferate, differentiate, and migrate, and their main mode of action is through paracrine secretion, with exosomes being the primary form of secretion. Stem cell-derived exosomes contain a variety of growth factors and cytokines and may have great potential to promote skin repair and delay skin ageing.
Methods: This review focuses on the mechanisms of UV-induced skin photoaging, the research progress of stem cell exosomes against skin photoaging, emerging application approaches and limitations in the application of exosome therapy.
Result: Exosomes derived from various stem cells have the potential to prevent skin photoaging.
Conclusion: The combination with novel materials may be a key step for their practical application, which could be an important direction for future basic research and practical applications.
Theranostic Applications of Functionalized Exosomes
Exosomes are cell membrane-derived vesicles which play an important role in cellular communication and act as transporters for proteins and genetic material. Due to their natural origin and low immunogenicity and toxicity, they are exploited as drug delivery for therapeutics as well as for diagnostics. The function of exosomes depends on the source from where they are derived. These vesicles have a diameter below 100 nm and can be characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Various techniques are explored for surface functionalization for targeted delivery of therapeutics. Most commonly used techniques include click chemistry and genetic engineering. Exosomes prove to have great potential when it comes to diagnosis and targeted therapy. Developing exosome-based diagnostic techniques to detect disease precisely and early as well as treat disease marks a new era of personalized radiology and nuclear medicine. As circulating drug delivery vehicles for novel therapeutic modalities, exosomes offer a new platform for diagnostics and therapeutics.