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Published on: July 26, 2022
A case for the study of native extracellular vesicles
Dhanya Nambiar1, Quynh-Thu Le1, Ferdinando Pucci2,3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
Abstract:
Three main areas of research revolve around extracellular vesicles (EVs): their use as early detection diagnostics for cancer prevention, engineering of EVs or other enveloped viral-like particles for therapeutic purposes and to understand how EVs impact biological processes. When investigating the biology of EVs, it is important to consider strategies able to track and alter EVs directly in vivo, as they are released by donor cells. This can be achieved by suitable engineering of EV donor cells, either before implantation or directly in vivo. Here, we make a case for the study of native EVs, that is, EVs released by cells living within a tissue. Novel genetic approaches to detect intercellular communications mediated by native EVs and profile recipient cells are discussed. The use of Rab35 dominant negative mutant is proposed for functional in vivo studies on the roles of native EVs. Ultimately, investigations on native EVs will tremendously advance our understanding of EV biology and open novel opportunities for therapy and prevention.
Insights
Studying native extracellular vesicles (EVs) released within tissues offers new ways to understand intercellular communication. This research proposes genetic tools for tracking and altering native EVs for therapeutic and diagnostic advancements.
Area of Science:
- Extracellular vesicle (EV) biology
- Cellular communication
- In vivo studies
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are researched for cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, and understanding biological impacts.
- Tracking and altering EVs in vivo is crucial for studying their biological roles.
- Current research often focuses on engineered EVs, overlooking native EVs within tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the study of native extracellular vesicles (EVs) within their natural tissue microenvironment.
- To introduce novel genetic strategies for detecting and analyzing intercellular communication mediated by native EVs.
- To propose methods for functional in vivo studies on native EVs.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of genetic approaches for detecting native EV-mediated intercellular communication.
- Profiling of recipient cells involved in native EV signaling.
- Proposal of using Rab35 dominant negative mutant for functional in vivo studies.
Main Results:
- Highlights the importance of studying native EVs in their native environment.
- Presents novel genetic tools for investigating native EV biology.
- Suggests specific methods for in vivo functional analysis of native EVs.
Conclusions:
- Investigating native EVs will significantly advance the understanding of EV biology.
- This research opens new avenues for therapeutic applications and cancer prevention strategies using native EVs.
- Understanding native EV function is key to unlocking their full potential in medicine.
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