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Updated: Jul 6, 2025
Preparation of Exosomes for siRNA Delivery to Cancer Cells
Published on: December 5, 2018
Biological, pathological, and multifaceted therapeutic functions of exosomes to target cancer
Vignesh Balaji E1, Divya Ramesh2, Manisha Chungan Shaju3
1Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
Abstract:
Exosomes, small tiny vesicle contains a large number of intracellular particles that employ to cause various diseases and prevent several pathological events as well in the human body. It is considered a "double-edged sword", and depending on its biological source, the action of exosomes varies under physiological conditions. Also, the isolation and characterization of the exosomes should be performed accurately and the methodology also will vary depending on the exosome source. Moreover, the uptake of exosomes from the recipients' cells is a vital and initial step for all the physiological actions. There are different mechanisms present in the exosomes' cellular uptake to deliver their cargo to acceptor cells. Once the exosomal uptake takes place, it releases the intracellular particles that leads to activate the physiological response. Even though exosomes have lavish functions, there are some challenges associated with every step of their preparation to bring potential therapeutic efficacy. So, overcoming the pitfalls would give a desired quantity of exosomes with high purity.
Insights
Exosomes are tiny vesicles with dual roles in disease and health. Accurate isolation and understanding cellular uptake mechanisms are crucial for harnessing their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Exosomes are extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication.
- They act as a "double-edged sword," influencing both disease progression and pathological events.
- Their function is highly dependent on their biological origin and source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of exosomes in physiological and pathological processes.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate exosome isolation and characterization methods.
- To discuss the mechanisms of exosome cellular uptake and cargo delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on exosome biogenesis, isolation, and characterization.
- Analysis of exosome uptake mechanisms by recipient cells.
- Discussion of challenges in exosome preparation for therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Exosomes contain diverse intracellular particles and mediate intercellular signaling.
- Cellular uptake is a prerequisite for exosome-mediated physiological responses.
- Variability in exosome function necessitates source-specific methodologies.
Conclusions:
- Precise isolation and characterization are essential for reliable exosome research.
- Understanding exosome uptake mechanisms is key to their therapeutic application.
- Overcoming current challenges in exosome preparation will enable high-purity, therapeutic-grade vesicles.
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