Why do some people age faster than others? A recent study has allowed the development of an inflammation index to determine a person’s “immunological age”. This index may be useful in healthcare assessments, and may also allow early-stage interventions, such as improved diet and exercise.
A pathogenic role of microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from exosomes has been attributed to a growing list of autoimmune conditions. Using exosomes as a biomarker to diagnose autoimmune conditions could help healthcare providers offer effective care prior to irreversible damage.
Biological gradients, including ion, oxygen, and protein concentration, are constantly forming and dissipating within cells and tissues. Gradients created by the secretion or metabolism of morphogens enable complex patterning. Without these gradients, cells cease to function and complex organisms would not develop.
Inadequate blood supply to the skin can promote the development of wounds. These so-called ischemic wounds affect millions of people and can lead to amputations or even loss of life. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic recently reported their studies in which they examined the use of exosomes containing TGF-β to treat chronic skin wounds.
The therapeutic effects of transplanted stem cells can be mediated by their exosomes. Since exosomes offer relative simplicity and are tolerated without the need for immunosuppressive drugs, there is increasing interest in using exosomes for therapy rather than cells. There may be advantages to using exosomes from microorganisms therapeutically too.
Naked mole rats possess many characteristics and adaptations that have made them exciting model species for the study of aging, aging-related diseases, and cancer resistance.
Tissue remodeling and homeostasis are the processes that modulate and maintain the size and shape of tissues. Phagocytosis plays an important role in these processes. A recent publication in PNAS provides evidence that a mutation that reduces the efficiency of phagocytosis may lead to abnormalities in brain development that are associated with enlarged brains seen in some instances of autism.
Dr Shu will be discussing his recent review paper "Co-Isolation of Cytokines and Exosomes: Implications for Immunomodulation Studies". Exosomes play a vital role in intercellular communication and their immunomodulatory potential has become an important focus in cancer research. In melanoma, tumor-derived exosomes drive immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. In this webinar, Dr Shu examines the possibility that free cytokines in 'purified' exosome samples may be causing biological effects that can be wrongly attributed to exosomes.
“Changes are being made to customs procedures for goods shipped from the UK to the EU. From 1st July, VAT will be charged to EU customers at the point of entry at the standard rate of VAT in the buyer's country of residence. FedEx will collect the VAT and charge a €12 admin fee. The customer is responsible for these charges. For business customers, it will be possible to reclaim the VAT paid.
Exosomes are now reaching the clinic in trials for a wide variety of diseases. One of their most exciting applications is the treatment of retinal degeneration which may even be able to reverse the process of sight loss.
