scholarly journals Tiny Actors in the Big Cellular World: Extracellular Vesicles Playing Critical Roles in Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 7688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ancuta Jurj ◽  
Cecilia Pop-Bica ◽  
Ondrej Slaby ◽  
Cristina D. Ştefan ◽  
William C. Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Recipient Cell ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Membrane Bound

Communications among cells can be achieved either via direct interactions or via secretion of soluble factors. The emergence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as entities that play key roles in cell-to-cell communication offer opportunities in exploring their features for use in therapeutics; i.e., management and treatment of various pathologies, such as those used for cancer. The potential use of EVs as therapeutic agents is attributed not only for their cell membrane-bound components, but also for their cargos, mostly bioactive molecules, wherein the former regulate interactions with a recipient cell while the latter trigger cellular functions/molecular mechanisms of a recipient cell. In this article, we highlight the involvement of EVs in hallmarks of a cancer cell, particularly focusing on those molecular processes that are influenced by EV cargos. Moreover, we explored the roles of RNA species and proteins carried by EVs in eliciting drug resistance phenotypes. Interestingly, engineered EVs have been investigated and proposed as therapeutic agents in various in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as in several clinical trials.

scholarly journals Serum Derived Extracellular Vesicles Mediated Delivery of Synthetic miRNAs in Human Endothelial Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Tapparo ◽  
Margherita Alba Carlotta Pomatto ◽  
Maria Chiara Deregibus ◽  
Elli Papadimitriou ◽  
Claudia Cavallari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Human Endothelial Cells ◽  
Synthetic Mirnas

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged in the last decades as a cell-to-cell communication mechanism. One of their mechanism of action is the direct delivery of their cargo, composed of bioactive molecules to target cells. Different methods (direct electroporation, cell transfection, chemical transfection) were developed to vehicle therapeutic molecules through EVs. However, most of these techniques presented some limitations such as EV disruption and aggregation. In the present study, we demonstrated that a direct temperature-controlled co-incubation of EVs with defined miRNAs is a stable method to deliver information to target cells without affecting EV constitutive content. We chose serum as an easy and abundant source of EVs applicable to autologous treatment after EV modification. Exogenous cel-miR-39 loaded on serum EVs (SEVs) was taken up by human endothelial cells, demonstrating an adequate miRNA loading efficacy based on the co-incubation method. Moreover, SEVs co-incubation with the angiomiRNA-126 (miR-126) enhanced their angiogenic properties in vitro and in vivo by increasing the capacity to induce capillary-like structure formation of human endothelial cells. MiR-126 loaded EVs were also shown to stimulate mouse endothelial cells to invade Matrigel plugs and create more vessels with respect to the EV naive counterpart. When SEVs were loaded with miR-19b, an anti-angiogenic miRNA, they were able to reduce Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) pro-angiogenic capacity, supporting the selective biological effect mediated by the carried miRNA. Lastly, we identified Annexin A2 (ANXA2) as one of the molecules involved in the exogenous RNA binding to serum EV surface, favoring miRNA delivery to target endothelial cells for potential therapeutic application.

scholarly journals Microfluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems for Cutaneous Wound Healing Studies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghazal Shabestani Monfared ◽  
Peter Ertl ◽  
Mario Rothbauer
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Lab On A Chip ◽  
Tissue Level ◽  
Cutaneous Wound Healing ◽  
Cutaneous Wound

Cutaneous wound healing is a complex multi-stage process involving direct and indirect cell communication events with the aim of efficiently restoring the barrier function of the skin. One key aspect in cutaneous wound healing is associated with cell movement and migration into the physically, chemically and biologically injured area resulting in wound closure. Understanding the conditions under which cell migration is impaired and elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that improve healing dynamics is therefore crucial in devising novel therapeutic strategies to elevate patient suffering, reduce scaring and eliminate chronic wounds. Following the global trend towards automation, miniaturization and integration of cell-based assays into microphysiological systems, conventional wound healing assays such as the scratch assay or cell exclusion assay have recently been translated and improved using microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies. These miniaturized cell analysis systems allow precise spatial and temporal control over a range of dynamic microenvironmental factors including shear stress, biochemical and oxygen gradients to create more reliable in vitro models that resemble the in vivo microenvironment of a wound more closely on a molecular, cellular, and tissue level. The current review provides (a) an overview on the main molecular and cellular processes that take place during wound healing, (b) a brief introduction into conventional in vitro wound healing assays, and (c) a perspective on future cutaneous and vascular wound healing research using microfluidic technology.

scholarly journals Perspectives for Future Use of Extracellular Vesicles from Umbilical Cord- and Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Regenerative Therapies—Synthetic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Lelek ◽  
Ewa K. Zuba-Surma
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Tissue Repair ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Differentiation Potential

Mesenchymal stem/ stromal cells (MSCs) represent progenitor cells of various origin with multiple differentiation potential, representing the most studied population of stem cells in both in vivo pre-clinical and clinical studies. MSCs may be found in many tissue sources including extensively studied adipose tissue (ADSCs) and umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly (UC-MSCs). Most of sanative effects of MSCs are due to their paracrine activity, which includes also release of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are small, round cellular derivatives carrying lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids including various classes of RNAs. Due to several advantages of EVs when compare to their parental cells, MSC-derived EVs are currently drawing attention of several laboratories as potential new tools in tissue repair. This review focuses on pro-regenerative properties of EVs derived from ADSCs and UC-MSCs. We provide a synthetic summary of research conducted in vitro and in vivo by employing animal models and within initial clinical trials focusing on neurological, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and skin diseases. The summarized studies provide encouraging evidence about MSC-EVs pro-regenerative capacity in various models of diseases, mediated by several mechanisms. Although, direct molecular mechanisms of MSC-EV action are still under investigation, the current growing data strongly indicates their potential future usefulness for tissue repair.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles as Biological Shuttles for Targeted Therapies

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Raimondo ◽  
Gianluca Giavaresi ◽  
Aurelio Lorico ◽  
Riccardo Alessandro
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
And Function ◽  
Potential Use

The development of effective nanosystems for drug delivery represents a key challenge for the improvement of most current anticancer therapies. Recent progress in the understanding of structure and function of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—specialized membrane-bound nanocarriers for intercellular communication—suggests that they might also serve as optimal delivery systems of therapeutics. In addition to carrying proteins, lipids, DNA and different forms of RNAs, EVs can be engineered to deliver specific bioactive molecules to target cells. Exploitation of their molecular composition and physical properties, together with improvement in bio-techniques to modify their content are critical issues to target them to specific cells/tissues/organs. Here, we will discuss the current developments in the field of animal and plant-derived EVs toward their potential use for delivery of therapeutic agents in different pathological conditions, with a special focus on cancer.

scholarly journals Effects of Red Ginseng on Neural Injuries with Reference to the Molecular Mechanisms

J ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-127
Author(s):  
Pengxiang Zhu ◽  
Masahiro Sakanaka
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Red Ginseng ◽  
Promising Candidate ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Brain And Spinal Cord ◽  
The Brain

Red ginseng, as an effective herbal medicine, has been traditionally and empirically used for the treatment of neuronal diseases. Many studies suggest that red ginseng and its ingredients protect the brain and spinal cord from neural injuries such as ischemia, trauma, and neurodegeneration. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of red ginseng and its ingredients. Ginsenoside Rb1 and other ginsenosides are regarded as the active ingredients of red ginseng; the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative actions of ginsenosides, together with a series of bioactive molecules relevant to the above actions, appear to account for the neuroprotective effects in vivo and/or in vitro. Moreover, in this review, the possibility is raised that more effective or stable neuroprotective derivatives based on the chemical structures of ginsenosides could be developed. Although further studies, including clinical trials, are necessary to confirm the pharmacological properties of red ginseng and its ingredients, red ginseng and its ingredients could be promising candidate drugs for the treatment of neural injuries.

scholarly journals Microfluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems for Cutaneous Wound Healing Studies

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 793
Author(s):  
Ghazal Shabestani Monfared ◽  
Peter Ertl ◽  
Mario Rothbauer
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Lab On A Chip ◽  
Tissue Level ◽  
Cutaneous Wound Healing ◽  
Cutaneous Wound

Cutaneous wound healing is a complex, multi-stage process involving direct and indirect cell communication events with the aim of efficiently restoring the barrier function of the skin. One key aspect in cutaneous wound healing is associated with cell movement and migration into the physically, chemically, and biologically injured area, resulting in wound closure. Understanding the conditions under which cell migration is impaired and elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that improve healing dynamics are therefore crucial in devising novel therapeutic strategies to elevate patient suffering, reduce scaring, and eliminate chronic wounds. Following the global trend towards the automation, miniaturization, and integration of cell-based assays into microphysiological systems, conventional wound healing assays such as the scratch assay and cell exclusion assay have recently been translated and improved using microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies. These miniaturized cell analysis systems allow for precise spatial and temporal control over a range of dynamic microenvironmental factors including shear stress, biochemical and oxygen gradients to create more reliable in vitro models that resemble the in vivo microenvironment of a wound more closely on a molecular, cellular, and tissue level. The current review provides (a) an overview on the main molecular and cellular processes that take place during wound healing, (b) a brief introduction into conventional in vitro wound healing assays, and (c) a perspective on future cutaneous and vascular wound healing research using microfluidic technology.

scholarly journals Downregulation of Exosomal miR-26a-5p Promotes Lymphangiogenesis and Lymphatic Metastasis in Endometrial Cancer

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Wang ◽  
Xiaodi Gong ◽  
Linlin Yang ◽  
Lijuan Li ◽  
Xiaoyan Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endometrial Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Lymphatic Endothelial Cell ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Ec Cells

Abstract Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) patients with lymph node (LN) metastasis have poor prognosis. However, the potential biomarkers that predict LN metastasis and the molecular mechanism of tumor-induced peritumoral lymphangiogenesis have not been well explored. Cancer-secreted exosomal miRNAs are emerging mediators of cell-cell communication in the tumor environment.Methods: Exosomes were isolated with a differential centrifugation method and confirmed by Transmission electron microscopy, NanoSight analysis, and Western blot. MicroRNA (miRNA) sequencing of exosomes derived from EC patients and healthy donors were performed. FISH and qRT-PCR were used to detect the indicated miRNA expression. Exosomal miRNA transferred to cells were confirmed by immunofluorescence and confocal microscope. siRNA and plasmid transfections as well as viral infection were performed to manipulate gene expression. A series of in vitro and in vivo phenotype experiments (tube formation, migration, and popliteal LN metastasis model) were performed to investigate the role of indicated miRNA in EC. RNA sequencing was used to select the underlying transcription factor, and luciferase activity assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Results: Our data showed that serum exosomal miR-26a-5p was significantly reduced in EC patients, and its level was positively associated with LN metastasis. Loss of miR-26a-5p promoted the migratory and invasive abilities of EC cells, and miR-26a-5p could be transferred from EC cells-secreted exosomes into human lymphatic endothelial cell (HLEC). Mechanistically, miR-26a-5p could regulate LEF1/c-myc/VEGFA axis via binding to its direct downstream target lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), consequently promoting HLEC tube formation and migration in vitro, facilitating lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis in vivo. Re-expression and knockdown of LEF1 could respectively promote and rescue the effects induced by exosomal miR-26a-5p. Moreover, we demonstrated that transcriptional factor EB (TFEB) directly induced miR-26a-5p expression.Conclusions: Our results show that exosomal miR-26a-5p/LEF1/c-myc/VEGFA axis is dysregulated and plays a critical role in LN metastasis and exosomal miR-26a-5p may be used as a blood-based biomarker for EC patients with LN metastasis.

scholarly journals A System of Cytokines Encapsulated in ExtraCellular Vesicles

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Fitzgerald ◽  
Michael L. Freeman ◽  
Michael M. Lederman ◽  
Elena Vasilieva ◽  
Roberto Romero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Mediate Cell ◽  
Multicellular Organisms ◽  
Cell Cell

Abstract Cytokines are soluble factors that mediate cell–cell communications in multicellular organisms. Recently, another system of cell–cell communication was discovered, which is mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, we demonstrate that these two systems are not strictly separated, as many cytokines in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are released in EV-encapsulated forms and are capable of eliciting biological effects upon contact with sensitive cells. Association with EVs is not necessarily a property of a particular cytokine but rather of a biological system and can be changed upon system activation. EV-encapsulated cytokines were not detected by standard cytokine assays. Deciphering the regulatory mechanisms of EV-encapsulation will lead to a better understanding of cell–cell communications in health and disease.

A Comprehensive Review on Preclinical Diabetic Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-116
Author(s):  
Anshul Shakya ◽  
Sushil Kumar Chaudary ◽  
Debapriya Garabadu ◽  
Hans Raj Bhat ◽  
Bibhuti Bhusan Kakoti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Chronic Hyperglycemia ◽  
Limited Effectiveness

Background: Preclinical experimental models historically play a critical role in the exploration and characterization of disease pathophysiology. Further, these in-vivo and in-vitro preclinical experiments help in target identification, evaluation of novel therapeutic agents and validation of treatments. Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder of multidimensional aetiologies with the cardinal feature of chronic hyperglycemia. To avoid or minimize late complications of diabetes and related costs, primary prevention and early treatment are therefore necessary. Due to its chronic manifestations, new treatment strategies need to be developed, because of the limited effectiveness of the current therapies. Methods: The study included electronic databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science and Scopus. The datasets were searched for entries of studies up to June, 2018. Results: A large number of in-vivo and in-vitro models have been presented for evaluating the mechanism of anti-hyperglycaemic effect of drugs in hormone-, chemically-, pathogen-induced animal models of diabetes mellitus. The advantages and limitations of each model have also been addressed in this review. Conclusion: This review encompasses the wide pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms associated with diabetes, particularly focusing on the challenges associated with the evaluation and predictive validation of these models as ideal animal models for preclinical assessments and discovering new drugs and therapeutic agents for translational application in humans. This review may further contribute to discover a novel drug to treat diabetes more efficaciously with minimum or no side effects. Furthermore, it also highlights ongoing research and considers the future perspectives in the field of diabetes.

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