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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 disease and beyond
Laura Morán1, Francisco Javier Cubero1
1Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, Complutense University School of Medicine, Madrid 28040, Spain.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 3, 2018
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key intercellular communicators in liver health and disease. Further research into EVs is vital for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by various liver cells and mediate intercellular communication.
- EVs contain diverse biomolecules (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, mtDNA) that alter recipient cell functions.
- They are recognized as potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents for liver diseases and other conditions.
Discussion:
- This editorial reviews intrahepatic EVs in liver diseases (DILI, NAFLD, NASH, ALD, HCC).
- It also discusses extrahepatic EVs in remote organs (pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, immune) during pathology.
- The role of EVs in intercellular communication within the liver and between organs is highlighted.
Key Insights:
- EVs facilitate cell-cell communication, influencing both local and systemic physiological and pathological processes.
- Despite unanswered questions regarding their mechanisms, EVs show promise as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
- Optimizing EV isolation methods is crucial for understanding their biological roles and clinical applications.
Outlook:
- Further investigation into EV mechanisms is needed to fully harness their diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
- Standardized methods for EV isolation and characterization are essential for clinical translation.
- EVs represent a promising frontier in personalized medicine for liver and other diseases.
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