The Role of Exosomes in Human Carcinogenesis and Cancer Therapy-Recent Findings from Molecular and Clinical Research

Tiny messengers, big Impact: Exosomes driving EMT in oral cancer

Exosomes are indispensable extracellular vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and are crucial for both healthy and pathological conditions, including cancer. The capacity of exosomes to echo the molecular characteristics of their cells of origin, including malignant cells, makes them indispensable tools for diagnosing and tracking disease progression in the field of oncology. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which has been identified as the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, has been linked to numerous risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and inadequate oral hygiene. Exosomes pointedly influence the advancement of oral cancer via promoting tumor cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion through the alteration of the tumor microenvironment. A critical apparatus in cancer metastasis is the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), during which cancer cells acquire improved migratory and invasive properties. EMT plays a role in metastasis, resistance to treatment, and evasion of the immune response. Exosomes facilitate EMT in oral cancer by delivering bioactive molecules that influence EMT signaling pathways. These exosomes inspire EMT in recipient cells, by this means enhancing tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aims to identify the specific exosomal components and signaling pathways that are tangled in EMT, in that way providing new avenues for targeted therapies designed to hinder the metastasis of oral cancer.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes: a new era in cardiac regeneration

Despite significant strides in medical treatments and surgical procedures for cardiovascular diseases, these conditions continue to be a major global health concern. The persistent need for innovative therapeutic approaches to mend damaged heart tissue highlights the complexity and urgency of this medical challenge. In recent years, stem cells have emerged as a promising tool for tissue regeneration, but challenges such as graft rejection and tumor formation have limited their clinical application. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles containing a diverse array of biomolecules, have garnered significant attention for their potential in regenerative medicine. The cardioprotective and reparative properties of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes hold promise for the treatment of heart diseases. These exosomes can modulate various cellular processes, including angiogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammation, thereby enhancing cardiac function. Despite the growing interest, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews synthesizing the molecular mechanisms, preclinical, and clinical evidence related to the specific role of MSC-derived exosomes in cardiac therapies. This review aims to fill that gap by exploring the potential of MSC-derived exosomes as a therapeutic strategy for cardiac diseases. This review explores the potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes as a therapeutic strategy for cardiac diseases. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying their cardioprotective effects, summarize preclinical and clinical studies investigating their efficacy, and address the challenges and future perspectives of exosome-based therapies. The collective evidence suggests that MSC-derived exosomes hold promise as a novel and effective therapeutic approach for cardiac diseases.

Exosomal lncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in multiple myeloma

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common malignancy of the hematopoietic system, accounting for approximately 10% of all hematological malignancies, and currently, there is no complete cure. Existing research indicates that exosomal long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial regulatory role in the initiation and progression of tumors, involving various interactions such as lncRNA-miRNA, lncRNA-mRNA, and lncRNA-RNA binding proteins (RBP). Despite the significant clinical application potential of exosomal lncRNAs, research in this area still faces challenges due to their low abundance and technical limitations. To our knowledge, this review is the first to comprehensively integrate and elucidate the three mechanisms of action of exosomal lncRNAs in MM, and to propose potential therapeutic targets and clinical cases based on these mechanisms. We highlight the latest advancements in the potential of exosomal lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering not only a comprehensive analysis of the role of exosomal lncRNAs in MM but also new perspectives and methods for future clinical diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma.

Exosomes as promising frontier approaches in future cancer therapy

In this editorial, we will discuss the article by Tang et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. They explored an innovative approach to enhancing gemcitabine (GEM) delivery and efficacy using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HU-BMSCs)-derived exosomes. The manufacture of GEM-loaded HU-BMSCs-derived exosomes (Exo-GEM) has been optimized. The Tang et al's study demonstrated that Exo-GEM exhibits enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing effects compared to free GEM, highlighting the potential of exosome-based drug delivery systems as a more effective and targeted approach to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Additional in vivo studies are required to confirm the safety and effectiveness of Exo-GEM before it can be considered for clinical use.

A Pilot Study of Exosome Proteomic Profiling Reveals Dysregulated Metabolic Pathways in Endometrial Cancer

Background/Objectives: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the second most frequent gynecological malignant tumor in postmenopausal women. Pathogenic mechanisms related to the onset and development of the disease are still unknown. To identify dysregulated proteins associated with EC we exploited a combined in vitro/in silico approach analyzing the proteome of exosomes with advanced MS techniques and annotating their results by using Chymeris1 AI tools. Methods: To this aim in this pilot study, we performed a deep proteomics analysis with high resolution MS (HRMS), advanced computational tools and western blotting for proteomics data validation. Results: That allowed us to identify 3628 proteins in serum albumin-depleted exosomes from 10 patients with EC compared to 10 healthy controls. This is the largest number of proteins identified in EC serum EVs. After quantification and statistical analysis, we identified 373 significantly (p < 0.05) dysregulated proteins involved in neutrophil and platelet degranulation pathways. A more detailed bioinformatics analysis revealed 61 dysregulated enzymes related to metabolic and catabolic pathways linked to tumor invasion. Through this analysis, we identified 49 metabolic and catabolic pathways related to tumor growth. Conclusions: Altogether, data shed light on the metabolic pathways involved in tumors. This is very important for understanding the metabolism of EC and for the development of new therapies.

Efficiency of electrochemical immuno- vs. apta(geno)sensors for multiple cancer biomarkers detection

The interest in biosensors technology has been constantly growing over the last few years. It is still the biggest challenge to design biosensors able to detect two or more analytes in a single measurement. Electrochemical methods are frequently used for this purpose, mainly due to the possibility of applying two or more different redox labels characterized by independent and distinguished electrochemical signals. In addition to antibodies, nucleic acids (aptamers) have been increasingly used as bioreceptors in the construction of such sensors. Within this review paper, we have collected the examples of electrochemical immuno- and geno(apta)sensors for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. Based on many published literature examples, we have emphasized the recent application of multiplexed platforms for detection of cancer biomarkers. It has allowed us to compare the progress in design strategies, including novel nanomaterials and amplification of signals, to get as low as possible limits of detection. We have focused on multi-electrode and multi-label strategies based on redox-active labels, such as ferrocene, anthraquinone, methylene blue, thionine, hemin and quantum dots, or metal ions such as Ag+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and others. We have finally discussed the possible way of development, challenges and prospects in the area of multianalyte electrochemical immuno- and geno(apta)sensors.

Integrin Targeting and Beyond: Enhancing Cancer Treatment with Dual-Targeting RGD (Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate) Strategies

Integrins, an important superfamily of cell adhesion receptors, play an essential role in cancer progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis, establishing them as prime targets for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Despite their significant potential, integrin-targeted therapies have faced substantial challenges in clinical trials, including variable efficacy and unmet high expectations. Nevertheless, the consistent expression of integrins on tumor and stromal cells underscores their ongoing relevance and potential. Traditional RGD-based imaging and therapeutic agents have faced limitations, such as inconsistent target expression and rapid systemic clearance, which have reduced their effectiveness. To overcome these challenges, recent research has focused on advancing RGD-based strategies and exploring innovative solutions. This review offers a thorough analysis of the latest developments in the RGD-integrin field, with a particular focus on addressing previous limitations. It delves into new dual-targeting approaches and cutting-edge RGD-based agents designed to improve both tumor diagnosis and therapeutic outcomes. By examining these advancements, this review illuminates new pathways for enhancing the specificity and efficacy of integrin-targeted therapies, paving the way for more effective cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Exploring Extracellular Vesicle Surface Protein Markers Produced by Glioblastoma Tumors: A Characterization Study Using In Vitro 3D Patient-Derived Cultures

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with limited treatment options. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from GBM cells contain important biomarkers, such as microRNAs, proteins, and DNA mutations, which are involved in tumor progression, invasion, and resistance to treatment. Identifying surface markers on these EVs is crucial for their isolation and potential use in noninvasive diagnosis. This study aimed to use tumor-derived explants to investigate the surface markers of EVs and explore their role as diagnostic biomarkers for GBM.

METHODS

Tumor explants from nine GBM patients without IDH1/IDH2 mutations or 1p-19q co-deletion were cultured to preserve both tumor viability and cytoarchitecture. EVs were collected from the tumor microenvironment using differential centrifugation, filtration, and membrane affinity binding. Their surface protein composition was analyzed through multiplex protein assays. RNA-Seq data from TCGA and GTEx datasets, along with in silico single-cell RNA-seq data, were used to assess EV surface biomarker expression across large GBM patient cohorts.

RESULTS

The in vitro model successfully replicated the tumor microenvironment and produced EVs with distinct surface markers. Biomarker analysis in large datasets revealed specific expression patterns unique to GBM patients compared with healthy controls. These markers demonstrated potential as a GBM-specific signature and were correlated with clinical data. Furthermore, in silico single-cell RNA-seq provided detailed insights into biomarker distribution across different cell types within the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the efficacy of the tumor-derived explant model and its potential to advance the understanding of GBM biology and EV production. A key innovation is the isolation of EVs from a model that faithfully mimics the tumor's original cytoarchitecture, offering a deeper understanding of the cells involved in EV release. The identified EV surface markers represent promising targets for enhancing EV isolation and optimizing their use as diagnostic tools. Moreover, further investigation into their molecular cargo may provide crucial insights into tumor characteristics and evolution.

Glutathione transferase omega 1-1 (GSTO1-1) can effect the inter-cell transfer of cisplatin resistance through the exosomal route

Glutathione transferase omega-1-1 (GSTO1-1) is a member of the glutathione transferase superfamily (GSTs) involved in the modulation of cell survival, proliferation and metabolism. Increased levels of GSTO1-1 have been associated with cancer progression and chemoresistance in different types of cancer cells, possibly supported by the post-traslational regulation of some major prosurvival pathways regulated by the enzyme. Our data demonstrate for the first time that GSTO1-1 can be released by cancer cells through the exosomal route and transferred to GSTO1-1 knock-out cells, this resulting in an increased resistance against cisplatin toxicity in recipient cells. The use of the exosomal route to transfer the regulatory competences of GSTO1-1 could be a further element supporting its role in neoplastic progression.

Avicularin Treatment Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke Damage by Regulating Microglia Polarization and its Exosomes via the NLRP3 Pathway

BACKGROUND

Avicularin (AL), an ingredient of Banxia, has anti-inflammatory properties in cerebral disease and regulates polarization of macrophages, but its effects on ischemic stroke (IS) damage have not been studied.

METHODS

In vivo, AL was administered by oral gavage to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) C57BL/6J mice in doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg/day for seven days, and, in vitro, AL was added to treat oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-BV2 cells. Modified neurological severity score, Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, brain-water-content detection, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western-blot analysis were used to investigate the functions and mechanism of the effect of AL treatment on IS. The exosomes of AL-treated microglia were studied by transmission electron microscope (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analyzer (NTA), and Western-blot analysis.

RESULTS

AL treatment reduced the neurological severity score, infarct volume, brain-water content, neuronal apoptosis, and the release of inflammatory factors, that were induced by MCAO/R. Notably, M2 microglia polarization was promoted but M1 microglia polarization was inhibited by AL in the ischemic penumbra of MCAO/R mice. Subsequently, anti-inflammatory and polarization-regulating effects of AL were verified in vitro. Suppressed NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation was found in the ischemic penumbra of animal and Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation (OGD/R) cells treated with AL, as evidenced by decreasing NLRP3-inflammasome-related protein and downstream factors. After AL treatment, the anti-apoptosis effect of microglial exosomes on OGD/R primary cortical neurons was increased.

CONCLUSION

AL reduce inflammatory responses and neuron death of IS-associated models by regulating microglia polarization by the NLRP3 pathway and by affecting microglial exosomes.

Identification of key lncRNAs associated with oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer cells and isolated exosomes: From In-Silico prediction to In-Vitro validation

One of the critical challenges in managing colorectal cancer (CRC) is the development of oxaliplatin (OXP) resistance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a crucial role in CRC progression and chemotherapy resistance, with exosomal lncRNAs emerging as potential biomarkers. This study aimed to predict key lncRNAs involved in OXP-resistance using in-silico methods and validate them using RT-qPCR methods in CRC cells and their isolated exosomes. Two public datasets, GSE42387 and GSE119481, were downloaded from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) associated with OXP-resistance in the HCT116 cell line. The analysis of GSE42387 revealed 210 DEGs, and GSE119481 identified 73 DEmiRNAs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of the DEGs identified 133 interconnected genes, from which the top ten genes with the highest degree scores were selected. By intersecting predicted miRNAs targeting these genes with the DEmiRNAs, 38 common miRNAs were found. Subsequently, 224 lncRNAs targeting these common miRNAs were predicted. LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were constructed and the top five lncRNAs with the highest degree scores were identified. Analysis using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database revealed that the key lncRNAs NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and MALAT1 are significantly associated with the overall survival of CRC patients. To validate these lncRNAs, OXP-resistant HCT116 sub-cell line (HCT116/OXR) was developed by exposing parental HCT116 cells to gradually increasing concentrations of OXP. Exosomes derived from both HCT116 and HCT116/OXR cells were isolated and characterized utilizing dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. RT-qPCR confirmed elevated levels of NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and MALAT1 in HCT116/OXR cells and their exosomes compared to parental HCT116 cells and their exosomes. This study concludes that NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and MALAT1 are associated with the OXP-resistance in CRC. The high levels of these lncRNAs in exosomes of resistant cells suggest their involvement in intercellular communication and resistance propagation. This positioning makes them promising biomarkers for OXP-resistance in CRC.

A comprehensive review of engineered exosomes from the preparation strategy to therapeutic applications

Exosomes exhibit high bioavailability, biological stability, targeted specificity, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity in shuttling various bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. Natural exosomes, however, have limited production, targeting abilities, and therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials. On the other hand, engineered exosomes have demonstrated long-term circulation, high stability, targeted delivery, and efficient intracellular drug release, garnering significant attention. The engineered exosomes bring new insights into developing next-generation drug delivery systems and show enormous potential in therapeutic applications, such as tumor therapies, diabetes management, cardiovascular disease, and tissue regeneration and repair. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advancements associated with engineered exosomes by focusing on the state-of-the-art strategies for cell engineering and exosome engineering. Exosome isolation methods, including traditional and emerging approaches, are systematically compared along with advancements in characterization methods. Current challenges and future opportunities are further discussed in terms of the preparation and application of engineered exosomes.

Exosomes in renal cell carcinoma: challenges and opportunities

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer that accounts for approximately 2-3% of adult malignancies. Among the primary treatment methods for this type of cancer are surgery and targeted treatment. Still, due to less than optimal effectiveness, there are problems such as advanced distant metastasis, delayed diagnosis, and drug resistance that continue to plague patients. In recent years, therapeutic advances have increased life expectancy and effective treatment in renal cell carcinoma patients. One of these methods is the use of stem cells. Although the therapeutic effects of stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells, are still impressive, today, extracellular vesicles (EVs) as carrying molecules and various mediators in intercellular communications, having a central role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug response, and on the other hand, due to its low immunogenicity and strong regulatory properties of the immune system, has received much attention from researchers and doctors. Despite the increasing interest in exosomes as the most versatile type of EVs, the heterogeneity of their efficacy presents challenges and, on the other hand, exciting opportunities for diagnostic and clinical interventions.In the upcoming article, we will review the various aspects of exosomes' effects in the prevention, treatment, and progress of renal cell carcinoma and also ways to optimize them to strengthen their positive sides.

Exosomal noncoding RNA: A potential therapy for retinal vascular diseases

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that can contain DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites. They are secreted by cells and play a regulatory role in various biological responses by mediating cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, exosomes are of interest in developing therapies for retinal vascular disorders because they can deliver various substances to cellular targets. According to recent research, exosomes can be used as a strategy for managing retinal vascular diseases, and they are being investigated for therapeutic purposes in eye conditions, including glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, retinal ischemia, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. However, the role of exosomal noncoding RNA in retinal vascular diseases is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the latest research on the biological role of exosomal noncoding RNA in treating retinal vascular diseases. Research has shown that noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs, circular RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs play a significant role in the regulation of retinal vascular diseases. Furthermore, through exosome engineering, the expression of relevant noncoding RNAs in exosomes can be controlled to regulate retinal vascular diseases. Therefore, this review suggests that exosomal noncoding RNA could be considered as a biomarker for diagnosis and as a therapeutic target for treating retinal vascular disease.

An exosome-based specific transcriptomic signature for profiling regulation patterns and modifying tumor immune microenvironment infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor that lacks effective treatment and has a poor prognosis. Exosomes carry abundant genomic information and have a significant role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, further exploration is needed to investigate the relationship between exosome-related genes and the heterogeneity and tumor immune microenvironment of TNBC. Based on the exosome-related gene sets, multiple machine learning algorithms, such as Cox boost, were used to screen the risk score model with the highest C-index. A 9-gene risk score model was constructed, and the TNBC population was divided into high- and low-risk groups. The effectiveness of this model was verified in multiple datasets. Compared with the low-risk group, the high-risk group exhibited a poorer prognosis, which may be related to lower levels of immune infiltration and immune response rates. The gene mutation profiles and drug sensitivity of the two groups were also compared. By screening for genes with the most prognostic value, the hub gene, CLDN7, was identified, and thus, its potential role in predicting prognosis, as well as providing ideas for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and risk assessment of TNBC, was also discussed. This study demonstrates that exosome-related genes can be used for risk stratification in TNBC, identifying patients with a worse prognosis. The high-risk group exhibited a poorer prognosis and required more aggressive treatment strategies. Analysis of the genomic information in patient exosomes may help to develop personalized treatment decisions and improve their prognosis. CLDN7 has potential value in prognostic prediction in the TNBC population.

Extracellular vesicle-based liquid biopsy biomarkers and their application in precision immuno-oncology

While the field of precision oncology is rapidly expanding and more targeted options are revolutionizing cancer treatment paradigms, therapeutic resistance particularly to immunotherapy remains a pressing challenge. This can be largely attributed to the dynamic tumor-stroma interactions that continuously alter the microenvironment. While to date most advancements have been made through examining the clinical utility of tissue-based biomarkers, their invasive nature and lack of a holistic representation of the evolving disease in a real-time manner could result in suboptimal treatment decisions. Thus, using minimally-invasive approaches to identify biomarkers that predict and monitor treatment response as well as alert to the emergence of recurrences is of a critical need. Currently, research efforts are shifting towards developing liquid biopsy-based biomarkers obtained from patients over the course of disease. Liquid biopsy represents a unique opportunity to monitor intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment which could occur through the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are lipid bilayer membrane nanoscale vesicles which transfer a plethora of biomolecules that mediate intercellular crosstalk, shape the tumor microenvironment, and modify drug response. The capture of EVs using innovative approaches, such as microfluidics, magnetic beads, and aptamers, allow their analysis via high throughput multi-omics techniques and facilitate their use for biomarker discovery. Artificial intelligence, using machine and deep learning algorithms, is advancing multi-omics analyses to uncover candidate biomarkers and predictive signatures that are key for translation into clinical trials. With the increasing recognition of the role of EVs in mediating immune evasion and as a valuable biomarker source, these real-time snapshots of cellular communication are promising to become an important tool in the field of precision oncology and spur the recognition of strategies to block resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of EVs in biomarker research describing current advances in their isolation and analysis techniques as well as their function as mediators in the tumor microenvironment. We also highlight recent lung cancer and melanoma studies that point towards their application as predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy and their potential clinical use in precision immuno-oncology.

Current research status of tumor cell biomarker detection

With the annual increases in the morbidity and mortality rates of tumors, the use of biomarkers for early diagnosis and real-time monitoring of tumor cells is of great importance. Biomarkers used for tumor cell detection in body fluids include circulating tumor cells, nucleic acids, protein markers, and extracellular vesicles. Among them, circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and exosomes have high potential for the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of tumor diseases due to the large amount of valuable information on tumor characteristics and evolution; in addition, in situ monitoring of telomerase and miRNA in living cells has been the topic of extensive research to understand tumor development in real time. Various techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry, have been widely used for the detection of these markers. Among them, the detection of tumor cell markers in body fluids based on electrochemical biosensors and fluorescence signal analysis is highly preferred because of its high sensitivity, rapid detection and portable operation. Herein, we summarize recent research progress in the detection of tumor cell biomarkers in body fluids using electrochemical and fluorescence biosensors, outline the current research status of in situ fluorescence monitoring and the analysis of tumor markers in living cells, and discuss the technical challenges for their practical clinical application to provide a reference for the development of new tumor marker detection methods.

Exosomes as a drug delivery tool for cancer therapy: a new era for existing drugs and oncolytic viruses

INTRODUCTION

Exosomes are cell-derived nanovesicles involved in cell-to-cell communications. These nanovesicles are generally considered to contain important carriers of information such as DNA and RNA, and show specific tropism.

AREAS COVERED

The combination of existing therapeutic agents with exosomes enhances therapeutic effects by increasing uptake into the tumor. Induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) may also be triggered more strongly than with the drug alone. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are even more effective as a drug in combination with exosomes. Although OVs are more likely to cause immune activity, combination with exosomes can exert synergistic effects. OVs have potent anti-tumor effects, but many limitations, such as being limited to local administration and vulnerability to attack by antibodies. Incorporation into exosomes can overcome these limitations and may allow effects against distant tumors.

EXPERT OPINION

Novel therapies using exosomes are very attractive in terms of enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. This approach also contains elements overcoming disadvantages in OVs, which have not been used clinically until now, and may usher in a new era of cancer treatments.

Suppression of Nasopharyngeal and Gastric Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model by Antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus LMP1 Protein

The study aimed to investigate the antitumor efficacy of anti-LMP1 antibodies in EBV-positive nasopharyngeal and stomach cell lines and xenograft models. The study also examined the NF-κB expression and cell cycle activation of NPC-serum-exosome-associated LMP1. Anti-LMP1 antibody treatment before or during cell implantation prevented tumor growth in nude mice. A small dose of antibodies resulted in complete tumor regression for at least three months after the tumors had grown in size. The consumption of antigen-antibody complexes by tumor cells limited tumor growth. In vitro experiments showed that anti-LMP1 antibodies killed EBV-positive NPC- or GC-derived epithelial cell lines and EBV-positive human B-cell lines but not EBV-negative cell lines. Treatment with anti-LMP1 reduced NF-κB expression in cells. The animal model experiments showed that anti-LMP1 inhibited and prevented NPC- or GC-derived tumor growth. The results suggest that LMP1 antibody immunotherapy could cure nasopharyngeal cancer, EBV-positive gastric carcinoma, and EBV-associated lymphomas. However, further validation of these findings is required through human clinical trials.

The role of Vps4 in cancer development

VPS4 series proteins play a crucial role in the endosomal sorting complexes required for the transport (ESCRT) pathway, which is responsible for sorting and trafficking cellular proteins and is involved in various cellular processes, including cytokinesis, membrane repair, and viral budding. VPS4 proteins are ATPases that mediate the final steps of membrane fission and protein sorting as part of the ESCRT machinery. They disassemble ESCRT-III filaments, which are vital for forming multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and the release of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs), ultimately leading to the sorting and degradation of various cellular proteins, including those involved in cancer development and progression. Recent studies have shown a potential relationship between VPS4 series proteins and cancer. Evidence suggests that these proteins may have crucial roles in cancer development and progression. Several experiments have explored the association between VPS4 and different types of cancer, including gastrointestinal and reproductive system tumors, providing insight into the underlying mechanisms. Understanding the structure and function of VPS4 series proteins is critical in assessing their potential role in cancer. The evidence supporting the involvement of VPS4 series proteins in cancer provides a promising avenue for future research and therapeutic development. However, further researches are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between VPS4 series proteins and cancer and to develop effective strategies for targeting these proteins in cancer therapy. This article aims to review the structures and functions of VPS4 series proteins and the previous experiments to analyze the relationship between VPS4 series proteins and cancer.

Extracellular Vesicles and Intercellular Communication: Challenges for In Vivo Molecular Imaging and Tracking

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous class of cell-derived membrane vesicles released by various cell types that serve as mediators of intercellular signaling. When released into circulation, EVs may convey their cargo and serve as intermediaries for intracellular communication, reaching nearby cells and possibly also distant organs. In cardiovascular biology, EVs released by activated or apoptotic endothelial cells (EC-EVs) disseminate biological information at short and long distances, contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease and related disorders. The significance of EC-EVs as mediators of cell-cell communication has advanced, but a thorough knowledge of the role that intercommunication plays in healthy and vascular disease is still lacking. Most data on EVs derive from in vitro studies, but there are still little reliable data available on biodistribution and specific homing EVs in vivo tissues. Molecular imaging techniques for EVs are crucial to monitoring in vivo biodistribution and the homing of EVs and their communication networks both in basal and pathological circumstances. This narrative review provides an overview of EC-EVs, trying to highlight their role as messengers of cell-cell interaction in vascular homeostasis and disease, and describes emerging applications of various imaging modalities for EVs visualization in vivo.

Clinical Application of Small Extracellular Vesicles in Gynecologic Malignancy Treatments

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are the key mediators of intercellular communication. They have the potential for clinical use as diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers and have been explored as vectors for drug delivery. Identification of reliable and noninvasive biomarkers, such as sEVs, is important for early diagnosis and precise treatment of gynecologic diseases to improve patient prognosis. Previous reviews have summarized routine sEVs isolation and identification methods; however, novel and unconventional methods have not been comprehensively described. This review summarizes a convenient method of isolating sEVs from body fluids and liquid biopsy-related sEV markers for early, minimally invasive diagnosis of gynecologic diseases. In addition, the characteristics of sEVs as drug carriers and in precision treatment and drug resistance are introduced, providing a strong foundation for identifying novel and potential therapeutic targets for sEV therapy. We propose potential directions for further research on the applications of sEVs in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic diseases.

Combining Copper and Zinc into a Biosensor for Anti-Chemoresistance and Achieving Osteosarcoma Therapeutic Efficacy

Due to its built-up chemoresistance after prolonged usage, the demand for replacing platinum in metal-based drugs (MBD) is rising. The first MBD approved by the FDA for cancer therapy was cisplatin in 1978. Even after nearly four and a half decades of trials, there has been no significant improvement in osteosarcoma (OS) therapy. In fact, many MBD have been developed, but the chemoresistance problem raised by platinum remains unresolved. This motivates us to elucidate the possibilities of the copper and zinc (CuZn) combination to replace platinum in MBD. Thus, the anti-chemoresistance properties of CuZn and their physiological functions for OS therapy are highlighted. Herein, we summarise their chelators, main organic solvents, and ligand functions in their structures that are involved in anti-chemoresistance properties. Through this review, it is rational to discuss their ligands' roles as biosensors in drug delivery systems. Hereafter, an in-depth understanding of their redox and photoactive function relationships is provided. The disadvantage is that the other functions of biosensors cannot be elaborated on here. As a result, this review is being developed, which is expected to intensify OS drugs with higher cure rates. Nonetheless, this advancement intends to solve the major chemoresistance obstacle towards clinical efficacy.