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The Link Among Neurological Diseases: Extracellular Vesicles as a Possible Brain Injury Footprint

Fausta Ciccocioppo^1,2, Paola Lanuti^1,2, Diego Centonze^3,4

¹Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.

|June 1, 2019

Abstract:

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), referred as membranous vesicles released into body fluids from all cell types, represent a novel model to explain some aspects of the inter-cellular cross talk. It has been demonstrated that the EVs modify the phenotype of target cells, acting through a large spectrum of mechanisms. In the central nervous system, the EVs are responsible of the wide range of physiological processes required for normal brain function and neuronal support, such as immune signaling, cellular proliferation, differentiation, and senescence. Growing evidences link the EV functions to the pathogenic machinery of the neurological diseases, contributing to the disease progression and spreading. Extracellular vesicles are involved in the brain injury by multimodal ways; they propagate inflammation across the blood brain barrier (BBB), mediate neuroprotection and modulate regenerative processes. For these reasons, extracellular vesicles represent a promising biomarker in neurological disorders as well as an interesting starting point for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Herein, we review the role of the EVs in the pathogenesis of neurological disease, discussing their potential clinical applications.

Insights

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate cell communication and play roles in brain function and neurological diseases. These EVs show potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for brain disorders.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles released by cells, crucial for intercellular communication.
EVs regulate physiological processes in the central nervous system, including immune signaling and neuronal support.
EVs are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of neurological diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the multifaceted role of EVs in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.
To discuss the potential of EVs as biomarkers for neurological conditions.
To explore EVs as a basis for novel therapeutic strategies in neurology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on extracellular vesicles in neurological diseases.
Analysis of mechanisms by which EVs influence cellular phenotypes and disease progression.
Examination of EVs' involvement in brain injury, inflammation, neuroprotection, and regeneration.

Main Results:

EVs contribute to intercellular cross-talk and modify target cell phenotypes.
In the CNS, EVs are vital for normal brain function and neuronal support.
EVs propagate inflammation across the blood-brain barrier and modulate regenerative processes.

Conclusions:

Extracellular vesicles are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases.
EVs represent promising biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring neurological disorders.
EVs offer a potential avenue for developing innovative therapeutic interventions for neurological conditions.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Brain Tumours Extracellular Vesicles Multiple Sclerosis Neurodegenerative Diseases Stroke

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