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Evaluation of the Storage Stability of Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: May 22, 2019
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Extracellular Vesicles and Their Role in Urologic Malignancies
Kerstin Junker1, Joana Heinzelmann1, Carla Beckham2
1Clinic of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
European Urology
|March 1, 2016
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key in cell communication and hold promise as biomarkers for urologic cancers. Research into EVs offers new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in intercellular communication.
- Recent research highlights their functional and biomarker potential in urologic diseases.
- Understanding EVs is crucial for advancing translational research and clinical practices in urology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on extracellular vesicles (EVs).
- To focus on the function and pathogenesis of EVs in urologic cancers.
- To evaluate the utility of EVs as biomarkers for urologic malignancies.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed.
- Included original articles, review articles, and editorials on EVs in urologic tumors.
- Articles published between 2005 and 2015 were selected.
Main Results:
- EVs are involved in cell-cell crosstalk, regulating both normal physiology (e.g., spermatogenesis, renal function) and disease processes (e.g., bladder, kidney, prostate cancer).
- The molecular cargo (proteins, RNAs) of EVs, isolated from body fluids like urine and blood, can serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
- EVs are also being explored as therapeutic targets and delivery vehicles.
Conclusions:
- EVs are significant regulators of cell-cell communication.
- Knowledge of EV roles in urologic cancers supports novel therapeutic strategies.
- EVs offer potential for developing urine- or serum-based biomarkers for kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer.
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