Exosomes

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating illness that 5-17% of us will experience during our lifetime. Identifying underlying biological mechanisms in MDD could increase our understanding of this disorder; allowing early-stage diagnosis and the development of new treatments. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nano-sized, lipid-bound derivatives of cells that contain a plethora of cargo, such as miRNAs, lipids, and other proteins, offer a new avenue in this research.

Research relies on standards. For extracellular vescicles, a common language has been developed that allows a shared understanding and interpretation of data across labs.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

Both hormones and exosomes regulate physiological processes by transmitting signals to distant cells. Although clearly distinct, these two systems interact in complex and important ways.

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.