Increased expression of coronin-1a in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target

The role and application of Coronin family in human tumorigenesis and immunomodulation

The Coronin family, a class of actin-binding proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of cytoskeleton structural stability, is aberrantly expressed in various tumors, including lung, gastric and head and neck cancers. They can regulate tumor cell metabolism and proliferation through RAC-1 and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways and regulate invasion by influencing the PI3K, PAK4, and MT1-MMP signaling pathways and impacting the actin-network dynamics. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have highlighted the crucial roles of the cytoskeleton and immune modulation in the occurrence and development of tumors. The article delves into the Coronin family's pivotal role in tumor immune evasion, highlighting its modulation of neutrophil, T cell, and vesicular transport functions, as well as its interactions with tumorigenesis related organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and lysosomes. It also summarizes the potential therapeutic applications of the Coronin family in oncology. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which the Coronin family is implicated in the onset and progression of tumors. It also provides more theoretical foundation for tumor immunotherapy and combination drug therapy.

Research progress on astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD), pose significant global health risks and represent a substantial public health concern in the contemporary era. A primary factor in the pathophysiology of these disorders is aberrant accumulation and aggregation of pathogenic proteins within the brain and spinal cord. Recent investigations have identified extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the central nervous system (CNS) as potential carriers for intercellular transport of misfolded proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. EVs are involved in pathological processes that contribute to various brain disorders including neurodegenerative disorders. Proteins linked to neurodegenerative disorders are secreted and distributed from cell to cell via EVs, serving as a mechanism for direct intercellular communication through the transfer of biomolecules. Astrocytes, as active participants in CNS intercellular communication, release astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) that are capable of interacting with diverse target cells. This review primarily focuses on the involvement of ADEVs in the development of neurological disorders and explores their potential dual roles - both advantageous and disadvantageous in the context of neurological disorders. Furthermore, this review examines the current studies investigating ADEVs as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The prospects and challenges associated with the application of ADEVs in clinical settings were also comprehensively reviewed.

Approaches and Challenges in Characterizing the Molecular Content of Extracellular Vesicles for Biomarker Discovery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer nanoparticles released from all known cells and are involved in cell-to-cell communication via their molecular content. EVs have been found in all tissues and body fluids, carrying a variety of biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, and lipids, offering insights into cellular and pathophysiological conditions. Despite the emergence of EVs and their molecular contents as important biological indicators, it remains difficult to explore EV-mediated biological processes due to their small size and heterogeneity and the technical challenges in characterizing their molecular content. EV-associated small RNAs, especially microRNAs, have been extensively studied. However, other less characterized RNAs, including protein-coding mRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and tRNAs, have also been found in EVs. Furthermore, the EV-associated proteins can be used to distinguish different types of EVs. The spectrum of EV-associated RNAs, as well as proteins, may be associated with different pathophysiological conditions. Therefore, the ability to comprehensively characterize EVs' molecular content is critical for understanding their biological function and potential applications in disease diagnosis. Here, we set out to provide an overview of EV-associated RNAs and proteins as well as approaches currently being used to characterize them.

Shared and distinct changes in the molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles in different neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD) affect millions of people worldwide. Curative treatment for these neurodegenerative disorders is still lacking and therefore a further understanding of their cause and progression is urgently needed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles loaded with cargo, such as proteins and miRNAs, that are released by cells and play an important role in intercellular communication. Intercellular communication through EVs can contribute to the spread of pathological proteins, such as amyloid-beta and tau, or cause pathogenesis through other mechanisms. In addition, EVs may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and for monitoring disease progression. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of EVs in AD, ALS an PD with an emphasis on dysregulated cargo in each disease. We highlight shared dysregulated cargo between these diseases, discuss underlying pathways, and outline future implications for therapeutic strategies.

Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Their Clinical and Therapeutic Potential in Central Nervous System Pathologies

The emerging role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in central nervous system (CNS) diseases is gaining significant interest, particularly their applications as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. EVs are involved in intercellular communication and are secreted by all cell types. They contain specific markers and a diverse cargo such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reflecting the physiological and pathological state of their originating cells. Their reduced immunogenicity and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier make them promising candidates for both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. In the context of CNS diseases, EVs have shown promise as biomarkers isolable from different body fluids, providing a non-invasive method for diagnosing CNS diseases and monitoring disease progression. This makes them useful for the early detection and monitoring of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where specific alterations in EVs content can be detected. Additionally, EVs derived from stem cells show potential in promoting tissue regeneration and repairing damaged tissues. An evaluation has been conducted on the current clinical trials studying EVs for CNS diseases, focusing on their application, treatment protocols, and obtained results. This review aims to explore the potential of EVs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic carriers for CNS diseases, highlighting their significant advantages and ongoing clinical trials evaluating their efficacy.

Extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative, mental, and other neurological disorders: Perspectives into mechanisms, biomarker potential, and therapeutic implications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced, secreted, and targeted by most human cells, including cells that compose nervous system tissues. EVs carry several types of biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins and microRNA, and can function as signaling agents in physiological and pathological processes. In this chapter, we will focus on EVs and their cargo secreted by brain cells, especially neurons and glia, and how these aspects are affected in pathological conditions. The chapter covers neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as several psychiatric disorders, namely schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and major depressive disorder. This chapter also addresses other types of neurological dysfunctions, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury. EVs can cross the blood brain barrier, and thus brain EVs may be detected in more accessible peripheral tissue, such as circulating blood. Alterations in EV composition and contents can therefore impart valuable clues into the molecular etiology of these disorders, and serve biomarkers regarding disease prevalence, progression and treatment. EVs can also be used to carry drugs and biomolecules into brain tissue, considered as a promising drug delivery agent for neurological diseases. Therefore, although this area of research is still in its early development, it offers great potential in further elucidating and in treating neurological disorders.

Exosomes for neurodegenerative diseases: diagnosis and targeted therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neurodegenerative diseases are still challenging clinical issues, with no curative interventions available and early, accurate diagnosis remaining difficult. Finding solutions to them is of great importance. In this review, we discuss possible exosomal diagnostic biomarkers and explore current explorations in exosome-targeted therapy for some common neurodegenerative diseases, offering insights into the clinical transformation of exosomes in this field.

RECENT FINDINGS

The burgeoning research on exosomes has shed light on their potential applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. As a type of extracellular vesicles, exosomes are capable of crossing the blood - brain barrier and exist in various body fluids, whose components can reflect pathophysiological changes in the brain. In addition, they can deliver specific drugs to brain tissue, and even possess certain therapeutic effects themselves. And the recent advancements in engineering modification technology have further enabled exosomes to selectively target specific sites, facilitating the possibility of targeted therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. The unique properties of exosomes give them great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and provide novel ideas for dealing with such diseases.

Cerebrospinal fluid and blood exosomes as biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal motor neuron disease. Due to the limited knowledge about potential biomarkers that help in early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression, today's diagnoses are based on ruling out other diseases, neurography, and electromyography examination, which takes a time-consuming procedure.

METHODS

PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were explored to extract articles published from January 2015 to June 2023. In the searching strategy following keywords were included; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid, serum, and plama.

RESULTS

A total number of 6 studies describing fluid-based exosomal biomarkers were included in this study. Aggregated proteins including SOD1, TDP-43, pTDP-43, and FUS could be detected in the microvesicles (MVs). Moreover, TDP-43 and NFL extracted from plasma exosomes could be used as prognostic biomarkers. Also, downregulated miR-27a-3p detected through exoEasy Maxi and exoQuick Kit in the plasma could be measured as a diagnostic biomarker. Eventually, the upregulated level of CORO1A could be used to monitor disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, each biomarker alone is insufficient to evaluate ALS. CNS-derived exosomes contain multiple ALS-related biomarkers (SOD1, TDP-43, pTDP-43, FUS, and miRNAs) that are detectable in cerebrospinal fluid and blood is a proper alternation. Exosome detecting kits listed as exoEasy, ExoQuick, Exo-spin, ME kit, ExoQuick Plus, and Exo-Flow, are helpful to reach this purpose.

The Roles of Exosomal Proteins: Classification, Function, and Applications

Exosome, a subpopulation of extracellular vesicles, plays diverse roles in various biological processes. As one of the most abundant components of exosomes, exosomal proteins have been revealed to participate in the development of many diseases, such as carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, neurological disorders, immune responses, cardiovascular diseases, and infection. Thus, understanding the functions and mechanisms of exosomal proteins potentially assists clinical diagnosis and targeted delivery of therapies. However, current knowledge about the function and application of exosomal proteins is still limited. In this review, we summarize the classification of exosomal proteins, and the roles of exosomal proteins in exosome biogenesis and disease development, as well as in the clinical applications.

Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is described as a fatal and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the degeneration of upper motor neurons in the primary motor cortex and lower motor neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. Due to ALS's slowly progressive characteristic, which is often accompanied by other neurological comorbidities, its diagnosis remains challenging. Perturbations in vesicle-mediated transport and autophagy as well as cell-autonomous disease initiation in glutamatergic neurons have been revealed in ALS. The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be key in accessing pathologically relevant tissues for ALS, as EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier and be isolated from the blood. The number and content of EVs may provide indications of the disease pathogenesis, its stage, and prognosis. In this review, we collected a recent study aiming at the identification of EVs as a biomarker of ALS with respect to the size, quantity, and content of EVs in the biological fluids of patients compared to controls.

Extracellular vesicles, from the pathogenesis to the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small bilipid layer-enclosed vesicles that can be secreted by all tested types of brain cells. Being a key intercellular communicator, EVs have emerged as a key contributor to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease through delivery of bioactive cargos within the central nervous system (CNS). Importantly, CNS cell-derived EVs can be purified via immunoprecipitation, and EV cargos with altered levels have been identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NDs. Given the essential impact of EVs on the pathogenesis of NDs, pathological EVs have been considered as therapeutic targets and EVs with therapeutic effects have been utilized as potential therapeutic agents or drug delivery platforms for the treatment of NDs. In this review, we focus on recent research progress on the pathological roles of EVs released from CNS cells in the pathogenesis of NDs, summarize findings that identify CNS-derived EV cargos as potential biomarkers to diagnose NDs, and comprehensively discuss promising potential of EVs as therapeutic targets, agents, and drug delivery systems in treating NDs, together with current concerns and challenges for basic research and clinical applications of EVs regarding NDs.