Exosomes

Aptamer-exosomes as sensors in Alzheimer disease models

Aptamer-exosomes as sensors in Alzheimer disease models

Aptamers, from the Latin word aptus, meaning to fit, are short (20-100 nucleotide) sequences of synthetic DNA, RNA or peptides that can be used for binding to specific target molecules with high sensitivity and biocompatibility. Exosomes have been used to deliver ATP-sensing DNA aptamers in a model of Alzheimer disease.

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The role of macrophage-derived exosomes in cancer

The role of macrophage-derived exosomes in cancer

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) that play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells. Macrophage-derived exosomes (MDEs) have garnered significant attention in recent years for their role in tumorigenesis, the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells. Macrophage-Derived Exosomes have key roles in tumorigenesis

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Freeze Drying in Research and Medicine

Freeze Drying in Research and Medicine

Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a dehydration process typically used to preserve structural integrity and the qualities of perishable materials and biological samples. This technique has found significant applications in various fields, including research and medicine. Here, we explore the principles of freeze drying, its applications, and its impact on research and medical practices.

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Are some cell types more receptive to exosomes?

Are some cell types more receptive to exosomes?

The ability of cells to generate exosomes varies significantly between different types of cells. Cancer cells, for example, reliably yield large amounts of exosomes when grown in culture. Immune cells and MSCs are also relatively high-yielding. But what about exosome ingestion?

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Freeze dried exosomes trialled to treat diabetic foot ulcers

Freeze dried exosomes trialled to treat diabetic foot ulcers

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, can be used therapeutically. Rion, a company spun out of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, recently began phase II trials to evaluate the use of a powdered formulation of platelet-derived exosomes to treat diabetic foot ulcers.

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Exosomes and metabolism: a target for therapy?

Exosomes and metabolism: a target for therapy?

As ubiquitous messengers, exosomes play a role in how our bodies manage energy. From adipocytes to the gut microbiome, new insights into how exosomes modulate human metabolism might be providing a glimpse into the future of metabolic disease treatment.

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Exosome protein glycosylation patterns

Exosome protein glycosylation patterns

Glycosylation is the addition of glycan groups to proteins. This affects about 50% of proteins, including exosomal proteins, modulating their function. This impacts and reflects states of health and disease. As well as characterizing exosome glycosylation states for diagnostic purposes, glycosylation control strategies for therapeutic applications are in development.

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Extracellular vesicle corona

Extracellular vesicle corona

A major challenge of working with exosomes and other types of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is their characterization and agreeing parameters that define each group. Recently, this task has become even more challenging with a dawning realization that proteins (and nucleic acids) loosely associated with the surface of exosomes, once thought to be artefacts of purification, are functionally important.

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Loading nucleic acids into exosomes

Loading nucleic acids into exosomes

The recent emergence of genetic therapies has focussed attention on exosomes as a possible mechanism for their efficient delivery. Exosomes provide an efficient, natural mechanism for transferring RNA into cells. Exosomes are also durable, have low levels of immunogenicity and can be produced economically at scale. The biggest hurdle to the widespread adoption of exosomes as delivery vehicles is their low cargo-loading efficiency.

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