Extracellular vesicles from subjects with COPD modulate cancer initiating cells phenotype through HIF-1α shuttling

Whispers in the Lungs: Small Extracellular Vesicles in Lung Cancer and COPD Crosstalk

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Its prognosis becomes even worse when it co-occurs with other diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both illnesses have numerous shared risk factors, including the use of tobacco smoke, and have similar underlying mechanisms like long-term inflammation. There are some other less studied but equally important molecules, like small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), that have been shown to mediate effective communication at the cellular level and may affect the progression of a disease or cause resistance to therapies. In sEVs from lung cancer tumors, there are onco-proteins (e.g., tumor initiator EGFR mutations, onco-miR, miR-21), while in sEVs from patients with COPD, there are pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α that enhance airway inflammation. These potential biomarkers of sEVs from chronic lung disease have great value in defense against emerging health problems; however, limitations in sample extraction and analysis are obstacles that hinder clinical enhanced applicability. This review focuses on sEV-derived biomarkers in lung cancer and COPD for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic monitoring purposes. To make these molecules more useful in real-life therapy and determine their signature's role, further investigation with a high-scale study is necessary.

Natural and Bioengineered Extracellular Vesicles in Diagnosis, Monitoring and Treatment of Cancer

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell derived nanovesicles which are implicated in both physiological and pathological intercellular communication, including the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. The exchange of biomolecules between stromal cells and cancer cells via EVs can provide a window to monitor cancer development in real time for better diagnostic and interventional strategies. In addition, the process of secretion and internalization of EVs by stromal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be exploited for delivering therapeutics. EVs have the potential to provide a targeted, biocompatible, and efficient delivery platform for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Natural as well as engineered EVs as nanomedicine have immense potential for disease intervention. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge of EVs' function in cancer progression, diagnostic and therapeutic applications for EVs in the cancer setting, as well as current EV engineering strategies.

Exosomal miR-107 Derived From Cigarette Smoking-Exposed Bronchial Epithelial Cells Aggravates Acute Lung Injury by Polarizing Macrophage to Proinflammatory Phenotype

Exosomes are critical mediators of intercellular crosstalk and play significant roles in the progression of various diseases including acute lung injury (ALI). However, the specific role of exosomes in ALI remains largely unexplored. In investigation, we demonstrated that exosomes released from cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-exposed bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) facilitated M1 macrophage polarization. Notably, CSE exposure enhanced the production of miR-107 within these exosomes. Inhibition of miR-107 markedly reversed the M1 macrophage polarization and inflammatory responses in vitro and ameliorated lung injury in vivo. Furthermore, exosomal miR-107 was found to downregulate KLF4, thereby promoting M1 macrophage polarization and inflammation of macrophages. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CSE-exposed BEAS-2B cells could induce M1 macrophage polarization via transmitting exosomal miR-107, and eventually ultimately contributing to the progression of ALI, indicating a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition to mitigate age-related progression in lung cancer

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a fundamental biological process involved in embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer progression. In lung cancer, EMT is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis, significantly contributing to the fatal progression of the disease. Age-related factors such as cellular senescence, chronic inflammation, and epigenetic alterations exacerbate EMT, accelerating lung cancer development in the elderly. This review describes the complex mechanism among EMT and age-related pathways, highlighting key regulators such as TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, NOTCH, and Hedgehog signalling. We also discuss the mechanisms by which oxidative stress, mediated through pathways involving NRF2 and ROS, telomere attrition, regulated by telomerase activity and shelterin complex, and immune system dysregulation, driven by alterations in cytokine profiles and immune cell senescence, upregulate or downregulate EMT induction. Additionally, we highlighted pathways of transcription such as SNAIL, TWIST, ZEB, SIRT1, TP53, NF-κB, and miRNAs regulating these processes. Understanding these mechanisms, we highlight potential therapeutic interventions targeting these critical molecules and pathways.

A new frontier in precision medicine: Exploring the role of extracellular vesicles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by progressive respiratory difficulties. It has a high incidence and disability rate worldwide. However, currently there is still a lack of highly effective treatment methods for COPD, only symptom relief is possible. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new treatment options. Almost all cells can secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), which participate in many physiological activities by transporting cargoes and are associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recently, many scholars have extensively studied the relationship between COPD and EVs, which has strongly demonstrated the significant impact of EVs from different sources on the occurrence and development of COPD. Therefore, EVs are a good starting point and new opportunity for the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. In this review, we mainly describe the current mechanisms of EVs in the pathogenesis of COPD, also the relationship between diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. At the same time, we also introduce some new methods for COPD therapy based on EVs. It is hoped that this article can provide new ideas for future research and contribute to the development of precision medicine.