Migrasomes: Emerging organelles for unveiling physiopathology and advancing clinical implications

Migrasomes: key players in immune regulation and promising medical applications

Migrasomes are newly discovered extracellular organelles released by migrating cells, such as immune cells, tumor cells, and other special functional cells like podocytes and embryonic cells. They contain a diverse array of constituents, including proteins, lipids, and RNA which can be released to the designated location to activate surrounding cells, thereby facilitating intercellular communication and signal transduction. Since then, our understanding of the mechanism and function of the migrasomes has expanded exponentially, with recent evidence indicating they are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in immune regulation. Furthermore, methods and techniques for extracting, detecting, and characterizing migrasomes are constantly advancing. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of migrasomes and their key roles in modulating immune responses, as well as the prospective challenges surrounding their clinical application, aiming to provide novel insights into the emerging organelles.

Advanced glycation end products promote the release of endothelial cell-derived mitocytosis

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and endothelial dysfunction are major factors that contribute to the progression of vascular complications in diabetes. Migrasomes, a newly discovered organelle involved in mitocytosis, play an important role in the selective removal of damaged mitochondria. Our research shows that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) can release migrasomes and undergo mitocytosis. In addition, when exposed to oxidative stress from AGEs, mitochondrial damage worsens, leading to the activation of migrasome-mediated mitocytosis. We also found that migrasomes carrying mitochondria can be taken up by recipient cells. Understanding the connection between migrasome release, mitocytosis, and mitochondrial function in endothelial cells sheds light on the biological processes behind intercellular communication.