Monitoring neurodegeneration through brain-derived extracellular vesicles in biofluids

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) require reliable biomarkers for early detection and management.
• Brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs) are nanoscale carriers of molecular information reflecting brain cell status.
• BDEVs can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach peripheral biofluids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of BDEVs in liquid biopsy for neurodegenerative disease diagnostics.
• To highlight BDEV's capacity to transport misfolded proteins and aggregates relevant to ND.
• To discuss challenges and opportunities in using BDEVs for ND patient stratification and follow-up.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on BDEVs and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Analysis of BDEV's role in transporting disease-specific molecules.
• Exploration of BDEV physicochemical properties in relation to ND insights.

Main Results:

• BDEVs serve as crucial carriers of molecular signatures from the brain to peripheral fluids.
• Misfolded proteins and aggregates, key in ND pathogenesis, are transported by BDEVs.
• BDEV properties offer insights into ND mechanisms and diagnostic potential.

Conclusions:

• BDEVs represent a promising avenue for liquid biopsy in early neurodegenerative disease diagnosis.
• Understanding BDEV characteristics is key to unlocking their full diagnostic and prognostic potential.
• Further research into BDEVs can overcome current challenges in neurodegenerative disease management.