scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles from the Protozoa Acanthamoeba castellanii: Their Role in Pathogenesis, Environmental Adaptation and Potential Applications

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Gonçalves ◽  
Marina Ferreira ◽  
Allan Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽  
Living Organism ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Cellular Origin ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Free Living Amoeba ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Multicellular Organisms

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous compartments of distinct cellular origin and biogenesis, displaying different sizes and include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. The EVs have been described in almost every living organism, from simple unicellular to higher evolutionary scale multicellular organisms, such as mammals. Several functions have been attributed to these structures, including roles in energy acquisition, cell-to-cell communication, gene expression modulation and pathogenesis. In this review, we described several aspects of the recently characterized EVs of the protozoa Acanthamoeba castellanii, a free-living amoeba (FLA) of emerging epidemiological importance, and compare their features to other parasites’ EVs. These A. castellanii EVs are comprised of small microvesicles and exosomes and carry a wide range of molecules involved in many biological processes like cell signaling, carbohydrate metabolism and proteolytic activity, such as kinases, glucanases, and proteases, respectively. Several biomedical applications of these EVs have been proposed lately, including their use in vaccination, biofuel production, and the pharmaceutical industry, such as platforms for drug delivery.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles as Nanotherapeutics for Parkinson’s Disease

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loredana Leggio ◽  
Greta Paternò ◽  
Silvia Vivarelli ◽  
Francesca L’Episcopo ◽  
Cataldo Tirolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Small Interfering Rnas ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ligand Interactions ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally occurring membranous structures secreted by normal and diseased cells, and carrying a wide range of bioactive molecules. In the central nervous system (CNS), EVs are important in both homeostasis and pathology. Through receptor–ligand interactions, direct fusion, or endocytosis, EVs interact with their target cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that EVs play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), including Parkinson′s disease (PD). PD is the second most common ND, characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons within the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNpc). In PD, EVs are secreted by both neurons and glial cells, with either beneficial or detrimental effects, via a complex program of cell-to-cell communication. The functions of EVs in PD range from their etiopathogenetic relevance to their use as diagnostic tools and innovative carriers of therapeutics. Because they can cross the blood–brain barrier, EVs can be engineered to deliver bioactive molecules (e.g., small interfering RNAs, catalase) within the CNS. This review summarizes the latest findings regarding the role played by EVs in PD etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, with a particular focus on their use as novel PD nanotherapeutics.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles in the Blood of Dogs with Cancer—A Preliminary Study

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Żmigrodzka ◽  
Olga Witkowska-Piłaszewicz ◽  
Alicja Rzepecka ◽  
Anna Cywińska ◽  
Dariusz Jagielski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Biological Marker ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Absolute Number ◽  
Cellular Origin ◽  
Healthy Dogs ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Cellular Markers ◽  
Abundant Population

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous population of submicron-sized structures released during the activation, proliferation, or apoptosis of various types of cells. Due to their size, their role in cell-to-cell communication in cancer is currently being discussed. In blood, the most abundant population of EVs is platelet-derived EVs (PEVs). The aim of this study was to estimate the absolute number and the origin of EVs in the blood of healthy dogs and of dogs with various types of cancer. The EV absolute number and cellular origin were examined by flow cytometry technique. EVs were classified on the basis of surface annexin V expression (phosphatidylserine PS+) and co-expression of specific cellular markers (CD61, CD45, CD3, CD21). The number of PEVs was significantly higher in dogs with cancer (median: 409/µL, range: 42–2748/µL vs. median: 170/µL, range: 101–449/µL in controls). The numbers of EVs derived from leukocytes (control median: 86/µL, range: 40–240/µL; cancer median: 443/µL, range: 44–3 352/µL) and T cells (control median: 5/µL, range: 2–66/µL; cancer median: 108/µL, range: 3–1735/µL) were higher in dogs with neoplasia compared to healthy controls. The estimation of PEV and leukocyte-derived EV counts may provide a useful biological marker in dogs with cancer.

scholarly journals Exosomes and Extracellular Vesicles in Myeloid Neoplasia: The Multiple and Complex Roles Played by These “Magic Bullets”

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Simona Bernardi ◽  
Mirko Farina
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Liquid Biopsies ◽  
Disease Biomarkers ◽  
Mediate Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Myeloid Neoplasia ◽  
Multicellular Organisms

Extracellular vesicles (exosomes, in particular) are essential in multicellular organisms because they mediate cell-to-cell communication via the transfer of secreted molecules. They are able to shuttle different cargo, from nucleic acids to proteins. The role of exosomes has been widely investigated in solid tumors, which gave us surprising results about their potential involvement in pathogenesis and created an opening for liquid biopsies. Less is known about exosomes in oncohematology, particularly concerning the malignancies deriving from myeloid lineage. In this review, we aim to present an overview of immunomodulation and the microenvironment alteration mediated by exosomes released by malicious myeloid cells. Afterwards, we review the studies reporting the use of exosomes as disease biomarkers and their influence in response to treatment, together with the recent experiences that have focused on the use of exosomes as therapeutic tools. The further development of new technologies and the increased knowledge of biological (exosomes) and clinical (myeloid neoplasia) aspects are expected to change the future approaches to these malignancies.

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.

scholarly journals Development of a tunable 3D wrinkled platfom for designing cellular three-dimensional communication networks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany R. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Communication Networks ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cellular Communication Network ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Washing Method

The study of cell-cell communication is hindered by the absence of a platform which is capable of specifically directing cellular growth while allowing examination of the communication between cells. In this thesis, a tuneable micro-to-nano scale wrinkled nonplanar platform was developed and optimized through the use of photolithography and a microfluidic washing method. The platform demonstrated the ability to create micro and nanowrinkled structures in a wide range of flow conditions. The developed platform was then used as a cell culture platform to investigate the spacing dependence of bovine fibroblasts. The identification of a critical bridging distance for bovine fibroblasts provided a means to optimized the platform for culturing a cellular communication network between bovine fibroblasts. The cellular network which resulted demonstrated, via FRAP (Fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching), the capacity for communication between cells. Creating multilevel length scaled structures on a tunable platform which directed cellular growth while maintaining communication presents potential applications in research, industry and clinical aspects.

Extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic application in cardiovascular disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Christoph Lipps
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Diagnostic And Prognostic Application ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cellular Origin ◽  
New Class ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Prognostic Application ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis and the development of a prognosis is important for management or secondary prevention of the disease. In the past few decades, various biomarkers have been identified for improved risk assessment, more accurate diagnosis and prognosis, and a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology in CVD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are thought to be important to cell-to-cell communication in the heart, and EV counts, cellular origin, and EV content have been related to CVD. This review examines current evidence for the potential application of EVs as a new class of biomarkers in CVD. Keywords: extracellular vesicles, biomarker, liquid biopsy, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension

scholarly journals Ovarian-Cancer-Associated Extracellular Vesicles: Microenvironmental Regulation and Potential Clinical Applications

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2272
Author(s):  
Priyakshi Kalita-de Croft ◽  
Shayna Sharma ◽  
Nihar Godbole ◽  
Gregory E. Rice ◽  
Carlos Salomon
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Cell Of Origin ◽  
Wide Range

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most diagnosed gynecological cancers in women. Due to the lack of effective early stage screening, women are more often diagnosed at an advanced stage; therefore, it is associated with poor patient outcomes. There are a lack of tools to identify patients at the highest risk of developing this cancer. Moreover, early detection strategies, therapeutic approaches, and real-time monitoring of responses to treatment to improve survival and quality of life are also inadequate. Tumor development and progression are dependent upon cell-to-cell communication, allowing cancer cells to re-program cells not only within the surrounding tumor microenvironment, but also at distant sites. Recent studies established that extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate bi-directional communication between normal and cancerous cells. EVs are highly stable membrane vesicles that are released from a wide range of cells, including healthy and cancer cells. They contain tissue-specific signaling molecules (e.g., proteins and miRNA) and, once released, regulate target cell phenotypes, inducing a pro-tumorigenic and immunosuppressive phenotype to contribute to tumor growth and metastasis as well as proximal and distal cell function. Thus, EVs are a “fingerprint” of their cell of origin and reflect the metabolic status. Additionally, via the capacity to evade the immune system and remain stable over long periods in circulation, EVs can be potent therapeutic agents. This review examines the potential role of EVs in the different aspects of the tumor microenvironment in OC, as well as their application in diagnosis, delivery of therapeutic agents, and disease monitoring.

scholarly journals 3D Cell Cultures as Prospective Models to Study Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
Guillermo Bordanaba-Florit ◽  
Iratxe Madarieta ◽  
Beatriz Olalde ◽  
Juan M. Falcón-Pérez ◽  
Félix Royo
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
3D Culture ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Drug Carriers ◽  
Antitumoral Activity ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Culture Models ◽  
Stem Cell Populations ◽  
Promising Source

The improvement of culturing techniques to model the environment and physiological conditions surrounding tumors has also been applied to the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer research. EVs role is not only limited to cell-to-cell communication in tumor physiology, they are also a promising source of biomarkers, and a tool to deliver drugs and induce antitumoral activity. In the present review, we have addressed the improvements achieved by using 3D culture models to evaluate the role of EVs in tumor progression and the potential applications of EVs in diagnostics and therapeutics. The most employed assays are gel-based spheroids, often utilized to examine the cell invasion rate and angiogenesis markers upon EVs treatment. To study EVs as drug carriers, a more complex multicellular cultures and organoids from cancer stem cell populations have been developed. Such strategies provide a closer response to in vivo physiology observed responses. They are also the best models to understand the complex interactions between different populations of cells and the extracellular matrix, in which tumor-derived EVs modify epithelial or mesenchymal cells to become protumor agents. Finally, the growth of cells in 3D bioreactor-like systems is appointed as the best approach to industrial EVs production, a necessary step toward clinical translation of EVs-based therapy.

scholarly journals Potential Applications of Extracellular Vesicles in Solid Organ Transplantation

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grange ◽  
Bellucci ◽  
Bussolati ◽  
Ranghino
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Solid Organ Transplantation ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Potential Applications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in cell-to-cell communication by delivering coding and non-coding RNA species and proteins to target cells. Recently, the therapeutic potential of EVs has been shown to extend to the field of solid organ transplantations. Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) in particular have been proposed as a new tool to improve graft survival, thanks to the modulation of tolerance toward the graft, and to their anti-fibrotic and pro-angiogenic effects. Moreover, MSC-EVs may reduce ischemia reperfusion injury, improving the recovery from acute damage. In addition, EVs currently considered helpful tools for preserving donor organs when administered before transplant in the context of hypothermic or normothermic perfusion machines. The addition of EVs to the perfusion solution, recently proposed for kidney, lung, and liver grafts, resulted in the amelioration of donor organ viability and functionality. EVs may therefore be of therapeutic interest in different aspects of the transplantation process for increasing the number of available organs and improving their long-term survival.

scholarly journals Galectins in Intra- and Extracellular Vesicles

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1232
Author(s):  
Sebastian Bänfer ◽  
Ralf Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Intracellular Transport ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Carbohydrate Binding ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Transport Pathways ◽  
Membrane Components ◽  
Multicellular Organisms

Carbohydrate-binding galectins are expressed in various tissues of multicellular organisms. They are involved in autophagy, cell migration, immune response, inflammation, intracellular transport, and signaling. In recent years, novel roles of galectin-interaction with membrane components have been characterized, which lead to the formation of vesicles with diverse functions. These vesicles are part of intracellular transport pathways, belong to the cellular degradation machinery, or can be released for cell-to-cell communication. Several characteristics of galectins in the lumen or at the membrane of newly formed vesicular structures are discussed in this review and illustrate the need to fully elucidate their contributions at the molecular and structural level.

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