Interactions between endoplasmic reticulum stress and extracellular vesicles in multiple diseases

Area of Science:

• Cellular Biology
• Pathology
• Immunology

Background:

• The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for protein folding and calcium homeostasis, vital for cellular health and pathogen defense.
• ER dysfunction is implicated in numerous diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic diseases.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound particles released by cells, are increasingly recognized for their roles in intercellular communication and disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological functions of EVs in various diseases.
• To elucidate the intricate mechanisms linking ER stress and EVs in disease development.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the ER stress-EV axis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating ER stress and EVs in disease.
• Analysis of the role of ER in EV formation and function.
• Examination of how ER stress influences EV content and signaling.
• Investigation of EV-mediated transmission of ER stress between cells.

Main Results:

• ER stress is both a cause and consequence of disease, perturbing cellular functions.
• EVs are dependent on ER function for their formation and can carry pathological cargo.
• ER stress can promote the release of disease-promoting EVs, while EVs can also induce ER stress in recipient cells.
• The interplay between ER stress and EVs is a common feature across multiple disease contexts.

Conclusions:

• The ER stress-EV axis represents a critical pathway in disease pathogenesis.
• Understanding this interaction is key to developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• Targeting EVs and their relationship with ER stress holds promise for treating a wide range of diseases.