Nano-sized Extracellular Vesicles Research Articles

Murine Oviductosomes (OVS) microRNA profiling during the estrous cycle: Delivery of OVS-borne microRNAs to sperm where miR-34c-5p localizes at the centrosome

Oviductosomes (OVS) are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted in the oviductal luminal fluid by oviductal epithelial cells and known to be involved in sperm capacitation and fertility. Although they have been shown to transfer encapsulated proteins to sperm, cargo constituents other than proteins have not been identified. Using next-generation sequencing, we demonstrate that OVS are carriers of microRNAs (miRNAs), with 272 detected throughout the estrous cycle. Of the 50 most abundant, 6 (12%) and 2 (4%) were expressed at significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) at metestrus/diestrus and proestrus/estrus. RT-qPCR showed that selected miRNAs are present in oviductal epithelial cells in significantly (P < 0.05) lower abundance than in OVS, indicating selective miRNA packaging. The majority (64%) of the top 25 OVS miRNAs are present in sperm. These miRNAs’ potential target list is enriched with transcription factors, transcription regulators, and protein kinases and there are several embryonic developmentally-related genes. Importantly, OVS can deliver to sperm miRNAs, including miR-34c-5p which is essential for the first cleavage and is solely sperm-derived in the zygote. Z-stack of confocal images of sperm co-incubated with OVS loaded with labeled miRNAs showed the intracellular location of the delivered miRNAs. Interestingly, individual miRNAs were predominantly localized in specific head compartments, with miR-34c-5p being highly concentrated at the centrosome where it is known to function. These results, for the first time, demonstrate OVS’ ability to contribute to the sperm’s miRNA repertoire (an important role for solely sperm-derived zygotic miRNAs) and the physiological relevance of an OVS-borne miRNA that is delivered to sperm.

Palmitoylation is a post-translational modification of Alix regulating the membrane organization of exosome-like small extracellular vesicles

BackgroundVirtually all cell types have the capacity to secrete nanometer-sized extracellular vesicles, which have emerged in recent years as potent signal transducers and cell-cell communicators. The multifunctional protein Alix is a bona fide exosomal regulator and skeletal muscle cells can release Alix-positive nano-sized extracellular vesicles, offering a new paradigm for understanding how myofibers communicate within skeletal muscle and with other organs. S-palmitoylation is a reversible lipid post-translational modification, involved in different biological processes, such as the trafficking of membrane proteins, achievement of stable protein conformations, and stabilization of protein interactions. MethodsHere, we have used an integrated biochemical-biophysical approach to determine whether S-palmitoylation contributes to the regulation of extracellular vesicle production in skeletal muscle cells. ResultsWe ascertained that Alix is S-palmitoylated and that this post-translational modification influences its protein-protein interaction with CD9, a member of the tetraspanin protein family. Furthermore, we showed that the structural organization of the lipid bilayer of the small (nano-sized) extracellular vesicle membrane with altered palmitoylation is qualitatively different compared to mock control vesicles. ConclusionsWe propose that S-palmitoylation regulates the function of Alix in facilitating the interactions among extracellular vesicle-specific regulators and maintains the proper structural organization of exosome-like extracellular vesicle membranes. General SignificanceBeyond its biological relevance, our study also provides the means for a comprehensive structural characterization of EVs.

The bioactive content of CTCL cell line-derived exosomes and small microvesicles: First study in CTCL

Introduction: Exosomes and small microvesicles are membrane-enclosed nano-sized extracellular vesicles released by cells that serve as vehicles for the transfer of biologic materials to recipient cells, thereby mediating intercellular communication. Cancer derived exosomes and small microvesicles are known to modulate the host immune response and microenvironment to support immune escape, tumor growth, progression, resistance and metastasis. Clinically, exosome and small microvesicle miRNAs and proteins might serve as minimally invasive biomarkers and even as therapeutic targets.

Sepsis-Like Systemic Inflammation Induced by Nano-Sized Extracellular Vesicles From Feces.

Nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles, and other types of vesicles, are released by most mammalian cells and bacteria. We here ask whether feces contain EVs of mammalian and/or bacterial origin, and whether these EVs induce systemic inflammation. Fecal extracellular vesicles (fEVs) were isolated from mice and humans. The presence of EVs from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using anti-lipid A and anti-lipoteichoic acid antibodies, whereas Western blot using anti-beta-actin antibody was employed to detect host-derived EVs in the fEVs. Further, fEVs were administered into mice by intraperitoneal injection, and inflammatory responses were investigated in the peritoneum, blood, and lungs. The role of TLR2 and TLR4 were studied using knockout mice. Significant quantities of EVs were present in feces from mice as well as humans, and derived from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as the host. Bacteria-free fEVs introduced into the peritoneum induced local and systemic inflammation (including in the lungs), but fEVs from germ-free animals had weaker effects. This pronounced local and systemic inflammatory responses seemed to be induced by EVs from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and was attenuated in mice lacking TLR2 or TLR4. Our findings show that fEVs cause sepsis-like systemic inflammation, when introduced intraperitoneally, a process regulated by TLR2 and TLR4.

Abstract 5216: Exosome as a vehicle for delivery of membrane protein therapeutics, PH20 for enhanced tumor penetration and anti-tumor efficacy

Abstract As biochemical and functional studies of membrane protein remain a challenge, there is growing interest in the application of nanotechnology to solve the difficulties of developing membrane protein therapeutics. Exosome, composed of lipid bilayer enclosed nano-sized extracellular vesicles, is a successful platform for providing a native membrane composition. Here, we report an enzymatic exosome, which harbors native PH20 hyaluronidase (Exo-PH20), was able to penetrate deeply into tumor foci via hyaluronan degradation, allowing tumor growth inhibition and increased T cell infiltration into the tumor. This exosome-based strategy was developed to overcome the immunosuppressive and anti-cancer therapy-resistant tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by an overly accumulated extracellular matrix. Notably, our engineered exosome with the native GPI-anchored form of hyaluronidase had a higher enzymatic activity than a truncated form of the recombinant protein. In addition, the exosome-mediated co-delivery of PH20 hyaluronidase and a chemotherapeutic (doxorubicin) efficiently inhibited tumor growth. This exosome is designed to degrade hyaluronan along the path of its movement, thereby augmenting nanoparticle penetration and drug diffusion. Our results thus show that this is a promising exosome-based platform that harbors not only a membrane-associated enzyme with high activity but also therapeutic payloads. Citation Format: yoosoo yang, Yeonsun Hong, Gi Beom Kim, Gihoon Nam, In-san Kim. Exosome as a vehicle for delivery of membrane protein therapeutics, PH20 for enhanced tumor penetration and anti-tumor efficacy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5216.

Immune stimuli shape the small non-coding transcriptome of extracellular vesicles released by dendritic cells

The release and uptake of nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EV) is a highly conserved means of intercellular communication. The molecular composition of EV, and thereby their signaling function to target cells, is regulated by cellular activation and differentiation stimuli. EV are regarded as snapshots of cells and are, therefore, in the limelight as biomarkers for disease. Although research on EV-associated RNA has predominantly focused on microRNAs, the transcriptome of EV consists of multiple classes of small non-coding RNAs with potential gene-regulatory functions. It is not known whether environmental cues imposed on cells induce specific changes in a broad range of EV-associated RNA classes. Here, we investigated whether immune-activating or -suppressing stimuli imposed on primary dendritic cells affected the release of various small non-coding RNAs via EV. The small RNA transcriptomes of highly pure EV populations free from ribonucleoprotein particles were analyzed by RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR. Immune stimulus-specific changes were found in the miRNA, snoRNA, and Y-RNA content of EV from dendritic cells, whereas tRNA and snRNA levels were much less affected. Only part of the changes in EV-RNA content reflected changes in cellular RNA, which urges caution in interpreting EV as snapshots of cells. By comprehensive analysis of RNA obtained from highly purified EV, we demonstrate that multiple RNA classes contribute to genetic messages conveyed via EV. The identification of multiple RNA classes that display cell stimulation-dependent association with EV is the prelude to unraveling the function and biomarker potential of these EV-RNAs.

The Long Non‐Coding RNA XIST Is Decreased in Lungs and Plasma Exosomes of Sickle Cell Mice and in Hemin‐Treated Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells

RationalePulmonaryhypertension (PH), a serious complication of sicklecell disease (SCD), causes significant morbidity andmortality. The release ofhemoglobin and free heme during hemolysis triggers endothelial dysfunction andcontributes to PH pathogenesis. Emerging evidence indicates that longnon‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in cellular proliferation,differentiation, and apoptosis. Circulating exosomes, which are nano‐sized extracellular vesicles, contain lncRNAs and play an important role in intercellular communication. However, the role of lncRNAs released from lungs and plasmaexosomes in SCD‐PH pathogenesis has not been defined. We hypothesized that lncRNAs are differentially expressed in SSmouse lungs and plasma exosomes and in hemin‐treated human pulmonary artery endothelialcells (HPAECs).Methods and ResultslncRNAs were isolated from lungs and plasma exosomes of sicklecell (SS) mice and littermate control (AA) mice at age 15–17 weeks. Isolated plasma exosomes were characterized forlevels of exosomal markers (CD9, CD45, and CD63), following which exosomes andlung samples were subjected to determine theexpression profiles of 90 lncRNAs using the LncProfiler™ lncRNA qPCR array(System Bioscienes). 5 lncRNAs were increased and10 lncRNAs were decreased in the lungs and plasma exosomes of SS mice compared to AA mice. One of thelncRNAs found to be decreased in SS samples was X‐inactivespecific transcript (XIST). To further examinewhether hemin reduces lncRNA XIST expression, HPAECs were treated with DMSO or hemin (5 uM) for 72 hours. XIST expression was decreased in hemin‐treatedHPAECs. Hemin also stimulated dose (0–10 μM)− and time (0–72hours)‐dependent increases in HPAEC monocyteadhesion and proliferation (BrdU assays). Because PPAR gamma (PPARg) levels were reduced in the lungs of SS mice,and pharmacological PPARg activation attenuated SCD‐PH, we examined the impactof PPARg activation on XIST levels in SS mouse lungs and found that PPARgactivation attenuates reductions in XIST expression.ConclusionsTheseresults suggest that sickle cell disease can impact lncRNAs and these effectsmay be reversed by treatment with PPARg agonists. Therefore, characterizationof lncRNAs are impacted in SCD may provide new insights into SCD pulmonaryvascular dysfunction and PH pathogenesis and identify novel targets fortherapeutic intervention.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH HL102167 (RLS and CMH) and NIH HL133053‐01A1 (BYK).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Inhibition of apoptosis using exosomes in Chinese hamster ovary cell culture.

Animal cell culture technology for therapeutic protein production has shown significant improvement over the last few decades. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have been widely adapted for the production of biopharmaceutical drugs. In the biopharmaceutical industry, it is crucial to develop cell culture media and culturing conditions to achieve the highest productivity and quality. However, CHO cells are significantly affected by apoptosis in the bioreactors, resulting in a substantial decrease in product quantity and quality. Thus, to overcome the obstacle of apoptosis in CHO cell culture, it is critical to develop a novel method that does not have minimal concern of safety or cost. Herein, we showed for the first time that exosomes, which are nano-sized extracellular vesicles, derived from CHO cells inhibited apoptosis in CHO cell culture when supplemented to the culture medium. Flow cytometric and microscopic analyses revealed that substantial amounts of exosomes were delivered to CHO cells. Higher cell viability after staurosporine treatment was observed by exosome supplementation (67.3%) as compared to control (41.1%). Furthermore, exosomes prevented the mitochondrial membrane potential loss and caspase-3 activation, meaning that the exosomes enhanced cellular activities under pro-apoptotic condition. As the exosomes supplements are derived from CHO cells themselves, it is not only beneficial for the biopharmaceutical productivity of CHO cell culture to inhibit apoptosis, but also from a regulatory standpoint to diminish any safety concerns. Thus, we conclude that the method developed in this research may contribute to the biopharmaceutical industry where minimizing apoptosis in CHO cell culture is beneficial.

Sample Preparation and Imaging of Exosomes by Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by body fluids and are known to represent the characteristics of cells that secrete them. The contents and morphology of the secreted vesicles reflect cell behavior or physiological status, for example cell growth, migration, cleavage, and death. The exosomes' role may depend highly on size, and the size of exosomes varies from 30 to 300 nm. The most widely used method for exosome imaging is negative staining, while other results are based on Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy. The typical exosome's morphology assessed through negative staining is a cup-shape, but further details are not yet clear. An exosome well-characterized through structural study is necessary particular in medical and pharmaceutical fields. Therefore, function-dependent morphology should be verified by electron microscopy techniques such as labeling a specific protein in the detailed structure of exosome. To observe detailed structure, ultrathin sectioned images and negative stained images of exosomes were compared. In this protocol, we suggest transmission electron microscopy for the imaging of exosomes including negative staining, whole mount immuno-staining, block preparation, thin section, and immuno-gold labelling.

P3.02-096 The Interaction Between Mast Cells and Lung Cancer Cells Through Extracellular Vesicles

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that mediate cell-to-cell communication by transferring molecules. Mast cells are secretory cells that complete their differentiation and maturation in the micro-environment of tissues containing blood vessels, and were observed in the periphery of certain tumors. It has been hypothesized that tumor cells affect their environment by passing genetic codes such as miRNA through exosomes. In this study, we investigated the presence of exosomal content in the micro-environment of lung cancer cells as a communication mechanism that drives tumor development.

Tumor-derived exosomes in ovarian cancer - liquid biopsies for early detection and real-time monitoring of cancer progression.

Ovarian cancer usually has a poor prognosis because it predominantly presents as high stage disease. New approaches are required to develop more effective early detection strategies and real-time treatment response monitoring. Nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs, including exosomes) may provide an approach to enrich tumor biomarker detection and address this clinical need. Exosomes are membranous extracellular vesicles of approximately 100 nm in diameter that have potential to be used as biomarkers and therapeutic delivery tools for ovarian cancer. Exosomal content (proteins and miRNA) is often parent cell specific thus providing an insight or “fingerprint” of the intracellular environment. Furthermore, exosomes can aid cell-cell communication and have the ability to modify target cells by transferring their content. Additionally, via the capacity to evade the immune system and remain stable over long periods in circulation, exosomes have potential as natural drug agents. This review examines the potential role of exosomes in diagnosis, drug delivery and real-time monitoring in ovarian cancer.

Exosomes in postshock mesenteric lymph are key mediators of acute lung injury triggering the macrophage activation via Toll-like receptor 4.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common cause of morbidity in patients after severe injury due to dysregulated inflammation, which is believed to be driven by gut-derived inflammatory mediators carried via mesenteric lymph (ML). We have previously demonstrated that nano-sized extracellular vesicles, called exosomes, secreted into ML after trauma/hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) have the potential to activate immune cells in vitro Here, we assess the function of ML exosomes in the development of T/HS-induced ALI and the role of TLR4 in the ML exosome-mediated inflammatory response. ML exosomes isolated from rats subjected to T/HS stimulated NF-κB activation and caused proinflammatory cytokine production in alveolar macrophages. In vivo experiments revealed that intravenous injection of exosomes harvested after T/HS, but not before shock, caused recruitment of inflammatory cells in the lung, increased vascular permeability, and induced histologic ALI in naive mice. The exosome-depleted supernatant of ML had no effect on in vitro and in vivo inflammatory responses. We also demonstrated that both pharmacologic inhibition and genetic knockout of TLR4 completely abolished ML exosome-induced cytokine production in macrophages. Thus, our findings define the critical role of exosomes secreted into ML as a critical mediator of T/HS-induced ALI through macrophage TLR4 activation.-Kojima, M., Gimenes-Junior, J. A., Chan, T. W., Eliceiri, B. P., Baird, A., Costantini, T. W., Coimbra, R. Exosomes in postshock mesenteric lymph are key mediators of acute lung injury triggering the macrophage activation via Toll-like receptor 4.

Tumor-derived exosomes in colorectal cancer progression and their clinical applications.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer mortality in both of men and women worldwide due to its metastatic properties and resistance to current treatment. Recent studies have shown that tumor-derived exosomes play emerging roles in the development of cancer. Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contain lipids, proteins, DNAs, and RNA species (mRNA, miRNA, long non-coding RNA). These exosomal cargos can be transferred locally and systemically, after taken by recipient cells, so exosomes represent a new form of intercellular communication. There is increasing evidence demonstrating that exosomes control a wide range of pathways bolstering tumor development, metastasis and drug resistance. This review provides an in-depth and timely summary of the role of exosomes in CRC. We first describe the common features and biogenesis of exosomes. We then highlight important findings that support the emerging roles of exosomes in CRC cell growth, invasion and metastasis, as well as resistance to treatment. Finally, we discuss the clinical application of exosomes as diagnostic biomarkers, in vivo drug delivery system and the potential of novel exosome-based immunotherapy for CRC.

Targeting Tumor-Associated Exosomes with Integrin-Binding Peptides.

All cells expel a variety of nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, with composition reflecting the cells' biological state. Cancer pathology is dramatically mediated by EV trafficking via key proteins, lipids, metabolites, and microRNAs. Recent proteomics evidence suggests that tumor-associated exosomes exhibit distinct expression of certain membrane proteins, rendering those proteins as attractive targets for diagnostic or therapeutic application. Yet, it is not currently feasible to distinguish circulating EVs in complex biofluids according to their tissue of origin or state of disease. Here we demonstrate peptide binding to tumor-associated EVs via overexpressed membrane protein. We find that SKOV-3 ovarian tumor cells and their released EVs express α3β1 integrin, which can be targeted by our in-house cyclic nonapeptide, LXY30. After measuring bulk SKOV-3 EV association with LXY30 by flow cytometry, Raman spectral analysis of laser-trapped single exosomes with LXY30-dialkyne conjugate enabled us to differentiate cancer-associated exosomes from non-cancer exosomes. Furthermore, we introduce the foundation for a highly specific detection platform for tumor-EVs in solution with biosensor surface-immobilized LXY30. LXY30 not only exhibits high specificity and affinity to α3β1 integrin-expressing EVs, but also reduces EV uptake into SKOV-3 parent cells, demonstrating the possibility for therapeutic application.

Exosomes in Parkinson's Disease.

Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types, are found in all kinds of biological fluids and tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). The proposed functions of these vesicles include roles in cell-cell signaling, removal of cellular debris, and transfer of pathogens between cells. Many studies have revealed that exosomes derived from the CNS occur in the cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral body fluids, and their contents are altered during disease, making them an appealing target for biomarker development in Parkinson's disease (PD). Exosomes have been shown to spread toxic α-synuclein (αsyn) between cells and induce apoptosis, which suggests a key mechanism underlying the spread of αsyn aggregates in the brain and the acceleration of pathology in PD. However, potential neuroprotective roles of exosomes in PD have also been reported. On the treatment side, as drug delivery vehicles, exosomes have been used to deliver small interfering RNAs and catalase to the brain, and have shown clear therapeutic effects in a mouse model of PD. These features of exosomes in PD make them extremely interesting from the point of view of developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

118 EXOSOME-MEDIATED OXIDATIVE STRESS RESPONSE IN BOVINE GRANULOSA CELLS

Exosomes are nano-sized (30–100 nm) extracellular membrane vesicles released through exocytosis process in most cells and biological fluids. They contain a cargo of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and play a vital role in cell-cell communications. Various cell types have been shown to release exosomes into extracellular space as a response to various environmental stress conditions. However, little is known about the response of granulosa cells to oxidative stress, with regard to release of exosomes that may carry mRNA and protein molecules related to cellular oxidative stress response. Here we aimed to investigate the potential release of stress elements by granulosa cells to culture media through exosomes under oxidative stress conditions. For that, bovine granulosa cells from small follicles were aspirated and cultured in DMEM/F-12 media supplemented with exosome free fetal bovine serum (Exo-FBS) and treated with 5 µM H2O2 for 40 min. Granulosa cells were collected 24 h post-treatment to quantify the expression of antioxidants (Nrf2, Keap1, SOD1, CAT1, PRDX1, HOMOX1, TXN1, and NQO1), cell proliferation (PCNA and CNND2), cell differentiation (CYP11A1 and STAR), apoptosis (Casp3), and antiapoptosis (BCL2L1) genes. Reactive oxygen species accumulation, mitochondrial distribution, cell viability, and cell cycle assays were performed in cultured granulosa cells, and the culture medium was used to isolate exosomes using ultracentrifugation procedure. The identity of exosomes was confirmed by immunoblotting of Alix and CD63 proteins, and the expression level of antioxidant was analysed in mRNA isolated from exosomes. Data from 3 independent biological replicates were statistically analysed using the 2-tailed t-test. Results showed that H2O2 treatment increased mRNA and protein level of antioxidants (Nrf2, PRDX1, and TXN1), as well as cell differentiation and apoptosis-related genes compared to untreated controls. However, granulosa cells treated with H2O2 showed lower expression of cell proliferation marker genes (PCNA and CNND2). Cells treated with H2O2 showed increases in reactive oxygen species level, inadequate mitochondrial distribution, and lower cell viability. Cell cycle assay revealed a reduction in G0/G1 proportion and increase in G2 phase in cells treated with H2O2. Higher levels of antioxidant (Nrf2, CAT1, and TXN1) transcripts were detected in exosomes isolated from media with cells under oxidative stress conditions compared to the controls. Labelling and co-transfection of exosomes from stressed cell culture medium with untreated treated recipient granulosa cells resulted in increased abundance of cellular mRNA and protein of Nrf2 and CAT1 in those cells. In conclusion, granulosa cells exposed to oxidative stress could release exosomes that carry molecules related to oxidative stress response, which can be up taken by recipient cells.

Exosomes in the nose induce immune cell trafficking and harbour an altered protein cargo in chronic airway inflammation.

BackgroundExosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles participating in cell-to-cell communication both in health and disease. However, the knowledge about the functions and molecular composition of exosomes in the upper airways is limited. The aim of the current study was therefore to determine whether nasal exosomes can influence inflammatory cells and to establish the proteome of nasal lavage fluid-derived exosomes in healthy subjects, as well as its alterations in individuals with chronic airway inflammatory diseases [asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)].MethodsNasal lavage fluid was collected from 14 healthy subjects, 15 subjects with asthma and 13 subjects with asthma/CRS. Exosomes were isolated with differential centrifugation and the proteome was analysed by LC–MS/MS with the application of two exclusion lists as well as using quantitative proteomics. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and GO Term finder was used to predict the functions associated with the exosomal proteome and a migration assay was used to analyse the effect on immune cells by nasal exosomes.ResultsFirstly, we demonstrate that nasal exosomes can induce migration of several immune cells, such as monocytes, neutrophils and NK cells in vitro. Secondly, a mass spectrometry approach, with the application of exclusion lists, was utilised to generate a comprehensive protein inventory of the exosomes from healthy subjects. The use of exclusion lists resulted in the identification of ~15 % additional proteins, and increased the confidence in ~20 % of identified proteins. In total, 604 proteins were identified in nasal exosomes and the nasal exosomal proteome showed strong associations with immune-related functions, such as immune cell trafficking. Thirdly, a quantitative proteomics approach was used to determine alterations in the exosome proteome as a result of airway inflammatory disease. Serum-associated proteins and mucins were more abundant in the exosomes from subjects with respiratory diseases compared to healthy controls while proteins with antimicrobial functions and barrier-related proteins had decreased expression.ConclusionsNasal exosomes were shown to induce the migration of innate immune cells, which may be important as the airway epithelium is the first line of defence against pathogens and allergens. The decreased expression in barrier and antimicrobial exosomal proteins in subjects with airway diseases, could possibly contribute to an increased susceptibility to infections, which have important clinical implications in disease progression.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-016-0927-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Exosomes in Alzheimer's disease

Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types, are found everywhere in the body. The role of exosomes in cellular functions has in the past years developed from being considered little more than cellular trashcans, to being proven important intercellular messengers and notable contributors to both health and in disease. A vast number of studies have revealed the multiple, and somewhat controversial role of exosomes in Alzheimer's disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease. Exosomes have been shown to spread toxic amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylated tau between cells, and they have been suspected of inducing apoptosis and thereby contributing to neuronal loss. On the other hand, exosomes seem to possess the ability to reduce brain amyloid-beta through microglial uptake, and they are known to transfer neuroprotective substances between cells. These features, among many others, make exosomes extremely interesting from the point of view of developing novel therapeutic approaches. The fact that exosomes derived from the central nervous system can be found in bodily fluids also makes them an appealing target for biomarker development, which is not limited only to Alzheimer's disease.

Acetazolamide enhances the release of urinary exosomal aquaporin-1.

Renal aquaporin-1 (AQP1), a water channel protein, is known to be secreted into urine, conveyed by nano-sized extracellular vesicles called exosomes. A previous study has demonstrated that acetazolamide (AZ), a diuretic that inhibits carbonic anhydrases, alters the expression level of AQP1 in cultured cells. Here we investigated whether AZ alters the release of urinary exosomal AQP1 in vivo. The effect of AZ on urinary exosomal AQP1 secretion was examined in rats and compared with furosemide (another diuretic), NaHCO3 (an alkalizing agent) and NH4Cl (an acidifying agent). Urine, blood and kidney samples were obtained 2 h after each treatment. Urinary exosomes were isolated by a differential centrifugation technique and urinary exosomal proteins were analyzed by immunoblotting. The release of exosomal AQP1 into urine was markedly increased after treatment with AZ, accompanied by alkaluria and metabolic acidosis. Immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated that AZ increased the apical membrane expression of AQP1 in the proximal tubules. AZ did not affect the release of exosomal marker proteins (tumor susceptibility gene 101 protein and apoptosis-linked gene 2 interacting protein X). Treatment with furosemide did not change, whereas NaHCO3 and NH4Cl decreased the exosomal release of AQP1. The present findings indicate that AZ increases the release of exosomal AQP1 into urine in association with enhanced apical membrane expression of AQP1.

Tiny Shuttles for Information Transfer: Exosomes in Cardiac Health and Disease.

Intercellular communication mediated by exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles, is crucial for preserving vascular integrity and in the development of cardiovascular and other diseases. As natural carriers of signal molecules, exosomes released from sources such as blood cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, smooth muscle cells, etc., can modify a multitude of cellular bioactivities. They do so by shuttling lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids between donor and recipient cells while circulating in body fluids and in the extracellular space. A recent surge of interest in the field of exosomal biology is in part due to the recognition that the molecules they carry can act as facilitators of both pathogenesis but can also initiate protective and rescue signaling. This mini-review describes current knowledge on exosome function in health and disease including cardiovascular disease.