The mini player with diverse functions: extracellular vesicles in cell biology, disease, and therapeutics.
10.1007/s13238-021-00863-6
- Author:
Abhimanyu THAKUR
1
;
Xiaoshan KE
1
;
Ya-Wen CHEN
2
;
Pedram MOTALLEBNEJAD
1
;
Kui ZHANG
1
;
Qizhou LIAN
3
;
Huanhuan Joyce CHEN
4
Author Information
1. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
2. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
3. Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. qzlian@hku.hk.
4. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. joycechen@uchicago.edu.
- Publication Type:Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
cancer;
exosomal communication;
exosomal therapeutics;
exosomes;
extracellular vesicles;
stem cells
- MeSH:
Biomarkers/metabolism*;
Cell-Derived Microparticles/metabolism*;
Exosomes;
Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism*;
Humans;
Neoplasms/metabolism*
- From:
Protein & Cell
2022;13(9):631-654
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny biological nanovesicles ranging from approximately 30-1000 nm in diameter that are released into the extracellular matrix of most cell types and in biofluids. The classification of EVs includes exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, dependent on various factors such as size, markers, and biogenesis pathways. The transition of EV relevance from that of being assumed as a trash bag to be a key player in critical physiological and pathological conditions has been revolutionary in many ways. EVs have been recently revealed to play a crucial role in stem cell biology and cancer progression via intercellular communication, contributing to organ development and the progression of cancer. This review focuses on the significant research progress made so far in the role of the crosstalk between EVs and stem cells and their niche, and cellular communication among different germ layers in developmental biology. In addition, it discusses the role of EVs in cancer progression and their application as therapeutic agents or drug delivery vehicles. All such discoveries have been facilitated by tremendous technological advancements in EV-associated research, especially the microfluidics systems. Their pros and cons in the context of characterization of EVs are also extensively discussed in this review. This review also deliberates the role of EVs in normal cell processes and disease conditions, and their application as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Finally, we propose future perspectives for EV-related research in stem cell and cancer biology.
