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Isolation of Tissue Extracellular Vesicles from the Liver
Published on: August 21, 2019
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Extracellular vesicles in liver pathobiology: Small particles with big impact
Petra Hirsova1, Samar H Ibrahim2, Vikas K Verma1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|September 16, 2016
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for cell communication and play significant roles in liver diseases. Altered EVs in liver conditions offer potential for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Hepatology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-secreted nanoparticles involved in intercellular communication.
- EVs carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, mediating cargo transfer between cells.
- EVs are implicated in both physiological processes and pathological conditions, including liver diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biogenesis, secretion, cargo, and target cell interactions of EVs in liver diseases.
- To emphasize the roles of EVs in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, cholangiopathies, and hepatobiliary malignancies.
- To explore the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of EVs in liver disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on extracellular vesicle research in the context of liver diseases.
- Analysis of EV biogenesis, cargo sorting, and functional effects on target cells.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of EVs in hepatology.
Main Results:
- Liver diseases are associated with altered EV release and cargo composition.
- These EV alterations can significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of liver disorders.
- Circulating EVs show promise as biomarkers (liquid biopsy) for diagnosis and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles are key players in liver disease pathogenesis and intercellular communication.
- EVs represent a promising target for therapeutic interventions and diagnostic strategies in liver diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of EVs in liver disease.
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