Related Experiment Videos
Microglia-derived extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's Disease: A double-edged sword
Teresa Trotta1, Maria Antonietta Panaro2, Antonia Cianciulli2
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
Abstract:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), based on their origin or size, can be classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles (MVs)/microparticles (MPs), and exosomes. EVs are one of the new emerging modes of communication between cells that are providing new insights into the pathophysiology of several diseases. EVs released from activated or apoptotic cells contain specific proteins (signaling molecules, receptors, integrins, cytokines), bioactive lipids, nucleic acids (mRNA, miRNA, small non coding RNAs, DNA) from their progenitor cells. In the brain, EVs contribute to intercellular communication through their basal release and uptake by surrounding cells, or release into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. In the central nervous system (CNS), EVs have been suggested as potential carriers in the intercellular delivery of misfolded proteins associated to neurodegenerative disorders, such as tau and amyloid β in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), α-synuclein in Parkinson's Disease (PD), superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and huntingtin in Huntington's Disease. Multiple studies indicate that EVs are involved in the pathogenesis of AD, although their role has not been completely elucidated. The focus of this review is to analyze the new emerging role of EVs in AD progression, paying particular attention to microglia EVs. Recent data show that microglia are the first myeloid cells to be activated during neuroinflammation. Microglial EVs in fact, could have both a beneficial and a detrimental action in AD. The study of EVs may provide specific, precise information regarding the AD transition stage that may offer possibilities to intervene in order to retain cognition. In chronic neurodegenerative diseases EVs could be a novel biomarker to monitor the progression of the pathology and also represent a new therapeutical approach to CNS diseases.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key in cell communication and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) progression. Microglia-derived EVs show dual roles, offering potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication, carrying proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
- EVs are implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.
- In Alzheimer's Disease (AD), EVs may facilitate the spread of misfolded proteins like tau and amyloid-beta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging role of EVs in AD progression.
- To focus on the specific contribution of microglia-derived EVs in AD pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on extracellular vesicles and Alzheimer's Disease.
- Analysis of studies investigating the role of microglia and their EVs in neuroinflammation and AD.
- Synthesis of current data on EV cargo and function in the context of AD.
Main Results:
- Microglia are early responders in neuroinflammation, releasing EVs with potentially dual beneficial or detrimental effects in AD.
- EVs are involved in the intercellular transfer of AD-associated misfolded proteins.
- Microglial EVs represent a significant area of investigation for understanding AD progression.
Conclusions:
- EVs play a complex role in AD pathogenesis, with microglia-derived EVs being particularly important.
- Studying EVs can provide insights into AD transition stages and potential intervention points.
- EVs hold promise as novel biomarkers for monitoring AD progression and as a future therapeutic strategy for CNS diseases.