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Extracellular Vesicles in Acute Leukemia: A Mesmerizing Journey With a Focus on Transferred microRNAs
Mehrdad Izadirad1, Zoufang Huang2, Farideh Jafari1
1Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Despite their small size, the membrane-bound particles named extracellular vesicles (EVs) seem to play an enormous role in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia. From oncogenic hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to become leukemic cells to alter the architecture of bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, EVs are critical components of leukemia development. As a carrier of essential molecules, especially a group of small non-coding RNAs known as miRNA, recently, EVs have attracted tremendous attention as a prognostic factor. Given the importance of miRNAs in the early stages of leukemogenesis and also their critical parts in the development of drug-resistant phenotype, it seems that the importance of EVs in the development of leukemia is more than what is expected. To be familiar with the clinical value of leukemia-derived EVs, this review aimed to briefly shed light on the biology of EVs and to discuss the role of EV-derived miRNAs in the development of acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. By elaborating the advances and challenges concerning the isolation of EVs, we discuss whether EVs could have a prognostic value in the clinical setting for leukemia.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial in leukemia development and progression. Leukemia-derived EVs, particularly their microRNAs (miRNAs), show potential as prognostic factors in acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-bound particles, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia.
- EVs facilitate the transformation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into leukemic cells and modify the bone marrow microenvironment.
- EVs act as carriers of crucial molecules, notably microRNAs (miRNAs), which are implicated in leukemogenesis and drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biology of EVs and their role in acute leukemia.
- To investigate the function of EV-derived miRNAs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
- To evaluate the potential prognostic value of leukemia-derived EVs in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the biological functions of EVs and miRNAs in leukemia.
- Analysis of current research on EV isolation techniques, including advances and challenges.
- Discussion of the clinical implications and prognostic potential of EVs in leukemia.
Main Results:
- EVs are integral to leukemia development, influencing HSC transformation and bone marrow microenvironment.
- EV-derived miRNAs are critical in early leukemogenesis and the development of drug resistance.
- Advances in EV isolation are crucial for harnessing their clinical utility.
Conclusions:
- Leukemia-derived EVs, especially their miRNA cargo, hold significant promise as prognostic biomarkers.
- Further research and improved EV isolation methods are needed to establish their clinical value.
- Understanding EV biology is key to developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for acute leukemia.
