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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
Characterizing Extracellular Vesicles from Biological Fluids
Published on: February 28, 2025
Intraocular Exosomes in Eye Diseases
Hui Zhang1, Xiaomin Zhang1, Xiaorong Li1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Abstract:
Exosomes, nanosized extracellular vesicles with a size of 30-150nm, contain many biological materials, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), proteins, and transcription factors. It has been identified in all biological fluids and recognized as an important part of intercellular communication. While the role of exosomes in cancer has been studied in-depth, our understanding of their relevance for ocular tissues has just begun to evolve. Intraocular fluids, including aqueous humor and vitreous humor, play a role in nourishing eye tissues and in expelling metabolites. In the pathological state, intraocular exosomes can mediate pathological processes such as ECM remodeling, retinal inflammation, and blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. Herein, we reviewed the latest advances of intraocular exosomes in the research of several eye diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, and ocular tumors, and discuss how intraocular exosomes contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of multiple eye diseases.
Insights
Intraocular exosomes, tiny vesicles in eye fluids, are key to intercellular communication and disease. This review explores their role in eye conditions like glaucoma and AMD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Extracellular Vesicles Research
Background:
- Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles (30-150nm) found in all biological fluids, mediating intercellular communication.
- They carry diverse biomaterials including mRNA, miRNA, and proteins.
- While exosome roles in cancer are well-studied, their significance in ocular tissues is an emerging area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding intraocular exosomes.
- To explore the contribution of intraocular exosomes to the pathogenesis and progression of major eye diseases.
- To highlight the role of exosomes in ocular pathologies such as ECM remodeling, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on intraocular exosomes and eye diseases.
- Analysis of exosome involvement in pathological processes within the eye.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on exosome function in glaucoma, AMD, myopia, and ocular tumors.
Main Results:
- Intraocular exosomes are implicated in the pathogenesis of various eye diseases.
- These vesicles contribute to ECM remodeling, retinal inflammation, and blood-retinal barrier dysfunction.
- Specific roles in glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, and ocular tumors are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Intraocular exosomes are critical mediators in the development and progression of multiple ocular diseases.
- Further research into intraocular exosomes offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in ophthalmology.
- Understanding exosome function in the eye is crucial for advancing treatments for blinding conditions.
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