Exosome-associated microRNA-375 induces cell proliferation by regulating IGFBP4 upon hepatitis C virus infection

Integration of bile proteomics and metabolomics analyses reveals novel insights into different types of gallstones in a high-altitude area

BACKGROUND

To explore the pathogenesis of different subtypes of gallstones in high-altitude populations from a molecular perspective.

METHODS

We collected bile samples from 20 cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD) patients and 20 pigment gallstone disease (PGD) patients. Proteomics analysis was performed by LC/MS DIA, while metabolomics analysis was performed by UPLC- Q-TOF/MS.

RESULTS

We identified 154 up-regulated and 196 down-regulated differentially expressed proteins, which were significantly enriched in neurodegenerative diseases, energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism etc. In metabolomics analysis, 20 up-regulated and 63 down-regulated differentially expressed metabolites were identified, and they were significantly enriched in vitamin B6 metabolism. Three pathways of integrated proteomics and metabolomics were significantly enriched: porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, riboflavin metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Remarkably, 7 differentially expressed proteins and metabolites showed excellent predictive performance and were selected as potential biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

The findings of our metabolomics and proteomics analyses help to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of gallstone formation in high-altitude populations.

The crosstalk between exosomes and ferroptosis: a review

Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles composed of bioactive molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Exosomes are generated by the fusion of intracellular multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the cell membrane and subsequently released into the extracellular space to participate in intercellular communication and diverse biological processes within target cells. As a crucial mediator, exosomes have been implicated in regulating ferroptosis-an iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxide accumulation induced by reactive oxygen species. The involvement of exosomes in iron, lipid, and amino acid metabolism contributes to their regulatory role in specific mechanisms underlying how exosomes modulate ferroptosis, which remains incompletely understood, and some related studies are still preliminary. Therefore, targeting the regulation of ferroptosis by exosomes holds promise for future clinical treatment strategies across various diseases. This review aims to provide insights into the pathophysiology and mechanisms governing the interaction between exosomes and ferroptosis and their implications in disease development and treatment to serve as a reference for further research.

Intercellular crosstalk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts via exosomes in gastrointestinal tumors

Gastrointestinal (GI) tumors are a significant global health threat, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Exosomes contain various biologically active molecules like nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids and can serve as messengers for intercellular communication. They play critical roles in the exchange of information between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME consists of mesenchymal cells and components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with fibroblasts being the most abundant cell type in the tumor mesenchyme. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are derived from normal fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells that are activated in the TME. CAFs can secrete exosomes to modulate cell proliferation, invasion, migration, drug resistance, and other biological processes in tumors. Additionally, tumor cells can manipulate the function and behavior of fibroblasts through direct cell-cell interactions. This review provides a summary of the intercellular crosstalk between GI tumor cells and CAFs through exosomes, along with potential underlying mechanisms.