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Argonautes in Extracellular Vesicles: Artifact or Selected Cargo?
Alissa M Weaver1,2, James G Patton3,4,5
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. alissa.weaver@vanderbilt.edu.
Cancer Research
|December 1, 2019
Summary
Argonaute-2 (Ago2) protein is found in extracellular vesicles (EVs), but its presence is debated. We argue that detecting Ago2 in EVs depends on cell type, signaling, and experimental methods.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Extracellular Vesicles Research
Background:
- Argonaute-2 (Ago2) is crucial for microRNA (miRNA)-mediated gene silencing.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in intercellular communication via their cargo, including miRNAs.
- The localization of Ago2 within EVs (intravesicular) versus outside (extravesicular) is a subject of ongoing debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the evidence for Ago2 presence within extracellular vesicles.
- To propose factors influencing the detection of Ago2 in EV preparations.
- To clarify the role of Ago2 in EV-mediated miRNA activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies on Ago2 and EVs.
- Discussion of experimental variables affecting EV isolation and cargo analysis.
- Consideration of cell signaling pathways involved in Ago2 trafficking.
Main Results:
- The detection of Ago2 in EVs is influenced by the source of the cells.
- Cell signaling pathways play a role in the trafficking of Ago2 to EVs.
- Experimental conditions and detection methodologies significantly impact observed Ago2 levels in EVs.
Conclusions:
- The presence of Ago2 within EVs is not definitively established and is likely context-dependent.
- Factors such as cell origin, signaling, and experimental techniques contribute to the controversy surrounding intravesicular Ago2.
- Further rigorous investigation is needed to ascertain the true localization and function of Ago2 in EVs.
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