Extracellular Vehicles Research Articles

Milk-derived extracellular vehicles alleviate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by modulating gut microbiota

Abstract Background Accounting for around 50% of human heart failure, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is driven by complex and heterogeneous pathological factors, including gut microbiome dysbiosis. We have previously reported that milk-derived extracellular vesicles (mEVs) modulate the gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease. However, whether mEVs can affect gut microbiota and thereby alleviate HFpEF remains unexplored. Aims We aim to uncover potential therapeutic effects of mEVs on HFpEF and if so, the underlying mechanisms. Methods The HFpEF mouse model was generated by feeding C57/B6 mice on a high-fat diet and L-NAME for 15 weeks. Mouse feces samples were analyzed to detect the presence of gut dysbiosis in HFpEF. Mice received bovine mEVs through oral gavage. Heart function was assessed with echocardiography. Mouse feces and plasma were collected to analyze gut microbiota and metabolomics, respectively. Results Gut microbiota was disturbed in HFpEF mice. Oral administration of mEVs effectively attenuated heart failure which was evidenced by less bodyweight gain, reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and lung weight, and improvement in cardiac function parameters such as ratios of E/A (1.8 vs. 1.5, p<0.05) and E/E’ (40 vs. 27, p<0.05). Moreover, the increase in mouse blood pressure in HFpEF was also inhibited upon treatment (SBP 130mmHg vs. 100mmHg, DBP 90mmHg vs. 75mmHg, p<0.05). Mechanistically, we ruled out the possibility of direct action of mEVs on the heart as orally administered mEVs were only distributed in the intestine. On the other hand, mEVs restored gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae. As a result, oral administration of mEVs elevated blood levels of Lachnospiraceae metabolite, butyric acid, a type of short-chain fatty acid. To confirm the butyric acid-mediated heart-protective effects of mEVs, we administered butyric acid to HFpEF mice. Strikingly, butyric acid largely reproduced the therapeutic effects of mEVs on HFpEF. Conclusions Oral administration of mEVs restores gut microbiota dysbiosis, thereby attenuating heart failure in HFpEF. mEVs may represent a new biological therapeutic for the treatment of HFpEF.

12349 Increased Total Oxidative Status/Total AntioxidantCapacityandReduced Microparticle Size In Diabetes Kidney Disease

Abstract Disclosure: S.C. Oliveira: None. A. Bridi: None. B.G. Rossato: None. R.N. Moresco: None. J.C. Silveira: None. M.W. Lauria: None. F.V. Comim: None. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is an important cause of morbimortality in the adult population with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Our cross-sectional study explored the association of abnormalities in extracellular vehicles (EVs) and oxidative stress markers in three distinct groups of clinical outpatients: normal controls, T1DM (without DKD), and DKD. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained from these groups. The isolation and characterization of EVs from serum were obtained through a series of processes, including the ultracentrifugation and characterization of EVs was identified by specific protein markers by western blot morphology checked by Scanning Electron Microscope (FEI Tecnai 20; LAB6 emission; 200 kV). EVs particle size and concentration were determined by NanoSight NS300 instrument (Malvern Panalytical, UK). Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Advanced Oxidation of Protein Products (AOPP), (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), C reactive Protein, Uric Acid, Aloxan levels were determined in the serum or the plasma.Overall, 124 patients were evaluated: 61 normal controls, 42 T1DM (without DKD), and 21 DKD defined according the KDIGO guidelines. The three groups were similar regarding age (mean± SD) of 40.3 ± 13.7 years, BMI 25.8 ± 5.1 Kg/m2, and Abdominal Circumference 89.6 ± 12.3 cm. The albumin/creatinine ratio was statistically different among the groups, being its (median [95%CI]) of 4.0 [3.9-5.14] mg/g in Controls, 6.4[5.5-10.0]mg/g in T1DM, and 81.4 [48.5 -1415] mg/g in DKD (p<0.001). The DKD patients exhibited higher SBP and an increased proportion of retinopathy and neuropathy than T1DM, but HBa1c levels were similar between the two diabetes groups. Patients with DKD show an increased TOS/TAC Ratio ( μmol H2O2 Equiv/L /mmol Trolox Equiv/L) (ANOVA p<0.001) superior to T1DM and controls. The mean ± SD was 61.1 ± 31.0 in Controls, 103.0± 68 in T1DM, and 145.0± 62.8 in DKD. Interestingly, T1DM exhibited an increased TOS/TAC Ratio than Controls. No modifications in AOPP or FRAP could be observed among the three groups.There is a gradual decrease in EVs size (but not concentration) in patients with DKD in comparison to T1DM and controls, and T1DM with controls. The mean of the moda size of EVs was (mean + SE) 144.5 ± 3.04 nm in Controls versus 136.14 ± 3.5 nm in T1DM, and 135.4 ± 3.6nm in DKD (ANOVA p=0.04). The concentration was (mean ± SE) 4.57 x109 ± 5.57 x108 particles/mL in Controls, 3.58 x109 ± 2.9 x108 particles/mL in T1DM and 3.94 x109 ± 3.7 x108 particles/mL in DKD (NS).Our results suggest an association of increased oxidative stress status (TOS/TAC ratio) and reduced microvesicles size in the presence of T1DM; both abnormalities progress towards the development of DKD. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Revolution of blood cancer treatment in the oral cavity: Breakthroughs in nanotherapy

This comprehensive review explores the potential of nanotherapy in the treatment of blood cancers, specifically leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, in the oral cavity. Nanoparticles (NPs) made from organic and inorganic materials have shown promise in delivering therapeutic substances to cancer cells, enhancing their pharmacological efficacy, and reducing their systemic toxicity. Different types of nanoparticles, such as liposomes, extracellular vehicles, and polymeric nanoparticles, have been studied for their effectiveness in targeting cancer cells. Nanotherapy has also been investigated for overcoming drug resistance, targeting cancer stem cells, bypassing efflux pumps, and gene silencing. Clinical trials and research findings have demonstrated the potential of nanotherapy for improving outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. However, challenges exist in addressing the heterogeneity of blood cancers in the oral cavity, navigating the tumor microenvironment, overcoming drug resistance, and modulating immune evasion. Future directions include individualized treatment plans, multifunctional nanoparticles, combination therapies, and improved nanoparticle design. The translation of these breakthroughs into clinical practice requires collaboration among researchers, physicians, and industry stakeholders. Overall, nanotherapy holds promise for more effective and less invasive treatments for blood cancer in the oral cavity.

Decarbromodiphenyl ether exposure promotes migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells through miR-221 in extracellular vesicles.

To investigate the effect of decarbromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) exposure on the migration ability of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanism. Human TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into blank control group and BDE-209 exposure groups (treated with 0.02, 0.20, 2.00, 20.00 and 200.00 ng/mL BDE-209 in high glucose DMEM). Extracellular vehicles (EVs) secreted by MDA-MB-231 cells were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation. Transmission electron microscopy (SEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting were performed to characterize the EVs. The effect of the EVs induced by BDE-209 exposure (EVs-BDE-209) on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells was detected by wound-healing assay and Transwell test. qRT-PCR was used to measure the miR-221 level in EVs-BDE-209. The expression of MMP9 in MDA-MB-231 cells was determined by Western blotting. Compared with the blank control, BDE-209 exposure increased the tumor cell-derived EVs in dose-dependent manner. The MDA-MB-231 cells co-cultured with EVs released by 200.00 ng/mL BDE-209 exposure showed an 86% increase in cell migration rate, a 1.32-fold higher number of membrane-penetrating cells, a 2.71-fold higher expression level of miR-221, and a 1.62-fold higher expression level of MMP9 compared with the blank control group (all P<0.05). While transfection with anti-miR-221 antibody to decrease miR-221 level in EVs significantly reversed the increased invasion ability of the MDA-MB-231 cells treated with EVs-BDE-209. BDE-209 exposure may promote metastasis potential of MDA-MB-231 cells via EVs-BDE-209 transmitted miR-221.

The role of the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells-derived extracellular vesicles in hematopoiesis

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tightly regulated by specific microenvironments called niches to produce an appropriate number of mature blood cell types. Self-renewal and differentiation are two hallmarks of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and their balance is critical for proper functioning of blood and immune cells throughout life. In addition to cell-intrinsic regulation, extrinsic cues within the bone marrow niche and systemic factors also affect the fate of HSCs. Despite this, many paracrine and endocrine factors that influence the function of hematopoietic cells remain unknown. In hematological malignancies, malignant cells remodel their niche into a permissive environment to enhance the survival of leukemic cells. These events are accompanied by loss of normal hematopoiesis. It is well known that extracellular vehicles (EVs) mediate intracellular interactions under physiological and pathological conditions. In other words, EVs transfer biological information to surrounding cells and contribute not only to physiological functions but also to the pathogenesis of some diseases, such as cancers. Therefore, a better understanding of cell-to-cell interactions may lead to identification of potential therapeutic targets. Recent reports have suggested that EVs are evolutionarily conserved constitutive mediators that regulate hematopoiesis. Here, we focus on the emerging roles of EVs in normal and pathological conditions, particularly in hematological malignancies. Owing to the high abundance of EVs in biological fluids, their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic tools is discussed.

Nanotherapeutics to cure inflammation-induced cancer

Aims: Nanotherapeutics are being explored as a potential solution to treat inflammation-induced cancer. Nanotherapeutics enhance innate immune cells' immunity, enabling them to fight tumors effectively. These cells secrete specific chemicals like cytokines, allowing them to replicate quickly and respond to future threats, making them suitable for immunotherapy.Methods: Nanotechnology can significantly improve human health by enhancing infection detection, prevention, and treatment. Nanomedicines, composed of restorative and imaging compounds in submicrometer-sized materials, aim to deliver effective treatments and limit inflammation in healthy body areas. Combining nanotechnology and clinical sciences, nanoparticles are suitable for gene therapy and have been developed for treating various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, pulmonary, and inflammatory diseases.Results: Neutrophils and their offspring, including films and extracellular vehicles, are crucial drug transporters for enhanced growth therapy. Tumor microenvironment inputs can modify tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), which are essential for tumor growth and healing. Human tumor intratumor heterogeneity is crucial for tumor growth and healing. Nanomedicines have shown potential in targeted delivery, toxicity reduction, and therapeutic effectiveness enhancement. However, clinical relevance and efficacy remain inadequate due to a lack of understanding of the interaction between nanomaterials, nanomedicine, and biology. The diverse biological milieu impacts the dynamic bioidentity of nanoformulations, and their interactions can modify therapeutic function or cellular absorption.Conclusion: Nanotechnology holds great promise for improving human health by detecting, preventing, and treating infections. Nanomedicines, a fusion of clinical sciences and nanotechnology, use submicrometer-sized transporter materials for therapy delivery and reducing contamination. Nanoparticles' small size and high surface-to-volume ratio can benefit gene therapy. Research has led to a wide range of nanomedicine products globally.

Lectin microarray based glycan profiling of exosomes for dynamic monitoring of colorectal cancer progression

BackgroundExosomes, as emerging biomarkers in liquid biopsies in recent years, offer profound insights into cancer diagnostics due to their unique molecular signatures. The glycosylation profiles of exosomes have emerged as potential biomarkers, offering a novel and less invasive method for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a substantial global health challenge and burden. Thus there is a great need for the aberrant glycosylation patterns on the surface of CRC cell-derived exosomes, proposing them as potential biomarkers for tumor characterization. ResultsThe interactions of 27 lectins with exosomes from three CRC cell lines (SW480, SW620, HCT116) and one normal colon epithelial cell line (NCM460) have been analyzed by the lectin microarray. The result indicates that Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA-I) exhibits high affinity and specificity towards exosomes derived from SW480 cells. The expression of glycosylation related genes within cells has been analyzed by high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction (HT-qPCR). The experimental result of HT-qPCR is consistent with that of lectin microarray. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) of UEA-I microarray is calculated to be as low as 2.7 × 105 extracellular vehicles (EVs) mL−1 (three times standard deviation (3σ) of blank sample). The UEA-I microarray has been successfully utilized to dynamically monitor the progression of tumors in mice-bearing SW480 CRC subtype, applicable in tumor sizes ranging from 2 mm to 20 mm in diameter. SignificanceThe results reveal that glycan expression pattern of exosome is linked to specific CRC subtypes, and regulated by glycosyltransferase and glycosidase genes of mother cells. Our findings illuminate the potential of glycosylation molecules on the surface of exosomes as reliable biomarkers for diagnosis of tumor at early stage and monitoring of cancer progression.

Significance of extracellular vesicles in orchestration of immune responses in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the causative agent of Tuberculosis, is an intracellular bacterium well known for its ability to subvert host energy and metabolic pathways to maintain its intracellular survival. For this purpose, the bacteria utilize various mechanisms of which extracellular vehicles (EVs) related mechanisms attracted more attention. EVs are nanosized particles that are released by almost all cell types containing active biomolecules from the cell of origin and can target bioactive pathways in the recipient cells upon uptake. It is hypothesized that M.tb dictates the processes of host EV biogenesis pathways, selectively incorporating its molecules into the host EV to direct immune responses in its favor. During infection with Mtb, both mycobacteria and host cells release EVs. The composition of these EVs varies over time, influenced by the physiological and nutritional state of the host environment. Additionally, different EV populations contribute differently to the pathogenesis of disease at various stages of illness participating in a complex interplay between host cells and pathogens. These interactions ultimately influence immune responses and disease outcomes. However, the precise mechanisms and roles of EVs in pathogenicity and disease outcomes remain to be fully elucidated. In this review, we explored the properties and function of EVs in the context of M.tb infection within the host microenvironment and discussed their capacity as a novel therapeutic strategy to combat tuberculosis.

Autophagy in hepatic progenitor cells modulates exosomal miRNAs to inhibit liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis.

Schistosoma infection is one of the major causes of liver fibrosis. Emerging roles of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis have been identified. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying the role of HPCs in liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis remains unclear. This study examined how autophagy in HPCs affects schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis by modulating exosomal miRNAs. The activation of HPCs was verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining in fibrotic liver from patients and mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection. By coculturing HPCs with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and assessing the autophagy level in HPCs by proteomic analysis and in vitro phenotypic assays, we found that impaired autophagy degradation in these activated HPCs was mediated by lysosomal dysfunction. Blocking autophagy by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) significantly diminished liver fibrosis and granuloma formation in S. japonicum-infected mice. HPC-secreted extracellular vehicles (EVs) were further isolated and studied by miRNA sequencing. miR-1306-3p, miR-493-3p, and miR-34a-5p were identified, and their distribution into EVs was inhibited due to impaired autophagy in HPCs, which contributed to suppressing HSC activation. In conclusion, we showed that the altered autophagy process upon HPC activation may prevent liver fibrosis by modulating exosomal miRNA release and inhibiting HSC activation in schistosomiasis. Targeting the autophagy degradation process may be a therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis during Schistosoma infection.

Small extracellular vesicles of organoid-derived human retinal stem cells remodel Müller cell fate via miRNA: A novel remedy for retinal degeneration

Remodeling retinal Müller glial fate, including gliosis inhibition and pro-reprogramming, represents a crucial avenue for treating degenerative retinal diseases. Stem cell transplantation exerts effects on modulating retinal Müller glial fate. However, the optimized stem cell products and the underlying therapeutic mechanisms need to be investigated. In the present study, we found that retinal progenitor cells from human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoids (hERO-RPCs) transferred extracellular vesicles (EVs) into Müller cells following subretinal transplantation into RCS rats. Small EVs from hERO-RPCs (hERO-RPC-sEVs) were collected and were found to delay photoreceptor degeneration and protect retinal function in RCS rats. hERO-RPC-sEVs were taken up by Müller cells both in vivo and in vitro, and inhibited gliosis while promoting early dedifferentiation of Müller cells. We further explored the miRNA profiles of hERO-RPC-sEVs, which suggested a functional signature associated with neuroprotection and development, as well as the regulation of stem cell and glial fate. Mechanistically, hERO-RPC-sEVs might regulate the fate of Müller cells by miRNA-mediated nuclear factor I transcription factors B (NFIB) downregulation. Collectively, our findings offer novel mechanistic insights into stem cell therapy and promote the development of EV-centered therapeutic strategies.

PDIA2 has a dual function in promoting androgen deprivation therapy induced venous thrombosis events and castrate resistant prostate cancer progression.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the first line of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) that effectively delays the tumor progression. However, it also increases the risk of venous thrombosis event (VTE) in patients, a leading cause of mortality. How a pro-thrombotic cascade is induced by ADT remains poorly understood. Here, we report that protein disulfide isomerase A2 (PDIA2) is upregulated in PCa cells to promote VTE formation and enhance PCa cells resistant to ADT. Using various in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated a dual function of PDIA2 that enhances tumor-mediated pro-coagulation activity via tumor-derived extracellular vehicles (EVs). It also stimulates PCa cell proliferation, colony formation, and xenograft growth androgen-independently. Mechanistically, PDIA2 activates the tissue factor (TF) on EVs through its isomerase activity, which subsequently triggers a pro-thrombotic cascade in the blood. Additionally, TF-containing EVs can activate the Src kinase inside PCa cells to enhance the AR signaling ligand independently. Androgen deprivation does not alter PDIA2 expression in PCa cells but enhances PDIA2 translocation to the cell membrane and EVs via suppressing the clathrin-dependent endocytic process. Co-recruitment of AR and FOXA1 to the PDIA2 promoter is required for PDIA2 transcription under androgen-deprived conditions. Importantly, blocking PDIA2 isomerase activity suppresses the pro-coagulation activity of patient plasma, PCa cell, and xenograft samples as well as castrate-resistant PCa xenograft growth. These results demonstrate that PDIA2 promotes VTE and tumor progression via activating TF from tumor-derived EVs. They rationalize pharmacological inhibition of PDIA2 to suppress ADT-induced VTE and castrate-resistant tumor progression.

Research progress in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases with extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are small lipid vesicles that can release signaling substances containing proteins, nucleic acids, and other bioactive molecules. Recent research shows that EVs have potential application prospects in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. EVs can alter the function of damaged cells and promote the repair and regeneration of cardiovascular tissue by transmitting bioactive molecules. In addition, EVs have the characteristics of low immunogenicity and high stability, making it a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases. Although the current research is still in the pre-clinical stage, with the further revelation of the mechanism of cardiovascular disease treatment using EVs, the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by EVs is bound to enter the clinical stage. This review expounds the advantages of EVs in cardiovascular diseases, and systematically lists the current application progress of EVs in a variety of cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Extracellular Vehicles, Including Exercise Mimetics, for Improving Bone Loss Caused by Osteoblast Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the bone-muscle crosstalk mechanism by treating dysfunctional osteoblasts with extracellular vehicles (EVs) containing exercise mimetics released during muscle contraction, with the intention of identifying key factors in regulatory mechanisms.METHODS: To understand the bone-muscle crosstalk mechanism, the effects of treatment were evaluated in osteoblasts and C2C12. First, palmitate was administered to osteoblasts to induce bone loss due to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. For validation, two groups were evaluated: a control group (CON) and the palmitate treatment group (PAL). Then, C2C12 myotubes were stimulated with electrical pulses to induce muscle contraction, and the released extracellular vehicles (EVs) were harvested and applied to osteoblasts. The results were used to determine the relevant mechanisms for improving bone loss. The impact of EVs released from muscles on osteoblasts was examined using the CD63-GFP plasmid. Four groups were used to compare across the different variables of interest: CON; EV, EV-treated group; PAL; EP, EV+palmitate-treated group.RESULTS: The palmitate-treated osteoblasts showed increased expression of inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), decreased sarcoplasmic/ endoplasmic reticulum Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;-ATPase (SERCA), reduced ER Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), indicating induced ER stress. Palmitate-induced ER stress was associated with elevated nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and receptor activator of NFκB (RANKL) levels and an increased RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio, causing bone loss. The treatment of osteoblasts with EVs from muscle contraction was found to improve ER stress, the levels of ER Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt;, MMP, NFκB, and RANKL, and the RANKL/OPG ratio.CONCLUSIONS: Palmitate reduces ER Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; and induces osteoblast ER stress while impairing mitochondrial function. Furthermore, through the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway, a key mechanism related to bone loss is induced. However, substances induced by muscle contraction can act on osteoblasts through exosomes, potentially improving this process.

Exploring Electrospun Scaffold Innovations in Cardiovascular Therapy: A Review of Electrospinning in Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In particular, patients who suffer from ischemic heart disease (IHD) that is not amenable to surgical or percutaneous revascularization techniques have limited treatment options. Furthermore, after revascularization is successfully implemented, there are a number of pathophysiological changes to the myocardium, including but not limited to ischemia-reperfusion injury, necrosis, altered inflammation, tissue remodeling, and dyskinetic wall motion. Electrospinning, a nanofiber scaffold fabrication technique, has recently emerged as an attractive option as a potential therapeutic platform for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Electrospun scaffolds made of biocompatible materials have the ability to mimic the native extracellular matrix and are compatible with drug delivery. These inherent properties, combined with ease of customization and a low cost of production, have made electrospun scaffolds an active area of research for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we aim to discuss the current state of electrospinning from the fundamentals of scaffold creation to the current role of electrospun materials as both bioengineered extracellular matrices and drug delivery vehicles in the treatment of CVD, with a special emphasis on the potential clinical applications in myocardial ischemia.

Exosomes as modulators of embryo implantation.

Exosomes, known as extracellular vehicles (EVs), are found in biological fluids. They have the capability to carry and transfer signaling molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, facilitating intercellular communication and regulating the gene expression profile in target cells. EVs have the potential to be used as biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and also as feasible therapeutic targets. The available evidence suggests that exosomes play critical roles in the reproductive system, particularly during implantation, which is widely recognized as a crucial step in early pregnancy. A proper molecular dialogue between a high-quality embryo and a receptive endometrium is essential for the establishment of a normal pregnancy. This review focuses on the key role of exosomes originated from various sources, including the embryo, seminal fluid, and uterus fluid, based on the available evidence. It explores their potential applications as a novel approach in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Extracellular vesicles from Fusobacterium nucleatum: roles in the malignant phenotypes of gastric cancer

ABSTRACT The increase of the Fusobacterium nucleatum level has been previously identified in various cancers including gastric cancer (GC), but how the F. nucleatum exerts its carcinogenic role in GC remains unclear. Several studies revealed that F. nucleatum contributes to cancer progression via its secretion of extracellular vehicles (EVs). Hence, it’s designed to reveal the influence of F. nucleatum-derived EVs (Fn-EVs) in GC progression. The tumor and adjacent tissues were collected from 30 GC patients, and the abundance of F. nucleatum was found to be highly expressed in tumor samples. The ultracentrifugation was employed to isolate EVs from F. nucleatum and Escherischia coli (E. coli), which were labeled Fn-EVs and E. coli-EVs, respectively. After treating GC cells with Fn-EVs and E. coli-EVs, cell counting kit 8, colony formation, wound healing as well as transwell assay were performed, which revealed that Fn-EVs effectively enhanced oxaliplatin resistance, and facilitated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness in GC cells while E. coli-EVs exert no significant effect on GC cells. Besides, the stemness and DNA repair of GC cells were also enhanced by Fn-EVs, as revealed by the sphere-forming assay and the detection of stemness- and DNA repair-associated proteins by western blotting. In vivo analyses demonstrated that Fn-EVs administration not only promoted GC tumor growth and liver metastasis but also conferred GC tumor resistance to oxaliplatin resistance. This study first revealed the contributive role of F. nucleatum in GC development via Fn-EVs, which provided a better perspective for manipulating F. nucleatum in treating GC patients with malignant phenotypes.

Extracellular Vehicles from Commensal Skin Malassezia restricta Inhibit Staphylococcus aureus Proliferation and Biofilm Formation.

The colonizing microbiota on the body surface play a crucial role in barrier function. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a significant contributor to skin infection, and the utilization of colonization resistance of skin commensal microorganisms to counteract the invasion of pathogens is a viable approach. However, most studies on colonization resistance have focused on skin bacteria, with limited research on the resistance of skin fungal communities to pathogenic bacteria. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) play an important role in the colonization of microbial niches and the interaction between distinct strains. This paper explores the impact of Malassezia restricta (M. restricta), the fungus that dominates the normal healthy skin microbiota, on the proliferation of S. aureus by examining the distribution disparities between the two microorganisms. Based on the extraction of EVs, the bacterial growth curve, and biofilm formation, it was determined that the EVs of M. restricta effectively suppressed the growth and biofilm formation of S. aureus. The presence of diverse metabolites was identified as the primary factor responsible for the growth inhibition of S. aureus, specifically in relation to glycerol phospholipid metabolism, ABC transport, and arginine synthesis. These findings offer valuable experimental evidence for understanding microbial symbiosis and interactions within healthy skin.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Glioma Stem Cells Affect Glycometabolic Reprogramming of Glioma Cells Through the miR-10b-5p/PTEN/PI3K/Akt Pathway.

Glioma is one of the most prevalently diagnosed types of primary malignant brain tumors. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are crucial in glioma recurrence. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which extracellular vehicles (EVs) derived from GSCs modulate glycometabolic reprogramming in glioma. Xenograft mouse models and cell models of glioma were established and treated with GSC-EVs. Additionally, levels and activities of PFK1, LDHA, and FASN were assessed to evaluate the effect of GSC-EVs on glycometabolic reprogramming in glioma. Glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were evaluated using MTT, EdU, Colony formation, and Transwell assays. miR-10b-5p expression was determined, with its target gene PTEN and downstream pathway PI3K/Akt evaluated. The involvement of miR-10b-5p and the PI3K/Akt pathway in the effect of GSC-EVs on glycometabolic reprogramming was tested through joint experiments. GSC-EVs facilitated glycometabolic reprogramming in glioma mice, along with enhancing glucose uptake, lactate level, and adenosine monophosphate-to-adenosine triphosphate ratio. Moreover, GSC-EV treatment potentiated glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, reinforced cell resistance to temozolomide, and raised levels and activities of PFK1, LDHA, and FASN. miR-10b-5p was highly-expressed in GSC-EV-treated glioma cells while being carried into glioma cells by GSC-EVs. miR-10b-5p targeted PTEN and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, hence stimulating glycometabolic reprogramming. GSC-EVs target PTEN and activate the PI3K/Akt pathway through carrying miR-10b-5p, subsequently accelerating glycometabolic reprogramming in glioma, which might provide new insights into glioma treatment.

Research progress of CTC, ctDNA, and EVs in cancer liquid biopsy

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and extracellular vehicles (EVs) have received significant attention in recent times as emerging biomarkers and subjects of transformational studies. The three main branches of liquid biopsy have evolved from the three primary tumor liquid biopsy detection targets—CTC, ctDNA, and EVs—each with distinct benefits. CTCs are derived from circulating cancer cells from the original tumor or metastases and may display global features of the tumor. ctDNA has been extensively analyzed and has been used to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of neoplastic diseases. EVs contain tumor-derived material such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, sugar structures, and metabolites. The three provide different detection contents but have strong complementarity to a certain extent. Even though they have already been employed in several clinical trials, the clinical utility of three biomarkers is still being studied, with promising initial findings. This review thoroughly overviews established and emerging technologies for the isolation, characterization, and content detection of CTC, ctDNA, and EVs. Also discussed were the most recent developments in the study of potential liquid biopsy biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and prognosis prediction. These included CTC, ctDNA, and EVs. Finally, the potential and challenges of employing liquid biopsy based on CTC, ctDNA, and EVs for precision medicine were evaluated.

Candidate biomarkers of EV-microRNA in detecting REM sleep behavior disorder and Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) lacks reliable, non-invasive biomarker tests for early intervention and management. Thus, a minimally invasive test for the early detection and monitoring of PD and REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is a highly unmet need for developing drugs and planning patient care. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are found in a wide variety of biofluids, including plasma. EV-mediated functional transfer of microRNAs (miRNAs) may be viable candidates as biomarkers for PD and iRBD. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of EV-derived small RNAs was performed in 60 normal controls, 56 iRBD patients and 53 PD patients to profile small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). Moreover, prospective follow-up was performed for these 56 iRBD patients for an average of 3.3 years. Full-scale miRNA profiles of plasma EVs were evaluated by machine-learning methods. After optimizing the library construction method for low RNA inputs (named EVsmall-seq), we built a machine learning algorithm that identified diagnostic miRNA signatures for distinguishing iRBD patients (AUC 0.969) and PD patients (AUC 0.916) from healthy individuals; and PD patients (AUC 0.929) from iRBD patients. We illustrated all the possible expression patterns across healthy-iRBD-PD hierarchy. We also showed 20 examples of miRNAs with consistently increasing or decreasing expression levels from controls to iRBD to PD. In addition, four miRNAs were found to be correlated with iRBD conversion. Distinct characteristics of the miRNA profiles among normal, iRBD and PD samples were discovered, which provides a panel of promising biomarkers for the identification of PD patients and those in the prodromal stage iRBD.