Migrasomes: Emerging players in intercellular communication and disease pathogenesis (Review)

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Extracellular Vesicles
• Organelle Biology

Background:

• Migrasomes are recently discovered extracellular organelles originating from the trailing edge of migrating cells.
• They are complex structures containing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, playing roles in intercellular communication and tissue dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the discovery, structure, functions, and disease associations of migrasomes.
• To highlight the potential of migrasomes in clinical applications for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on migrasome discovery, characterization, and function.
• Analysis of migrasome involvement in various physiological processes and pathological conditions.

Main Results:

• Migrasomes are involved in cell-cell communication, tissue remodeling, immune regulation, organogenesis, and angiogenesis.
• Their formation involves regulated molecular pathways including nucleation, expansion, and maturation.
• Migrasomes are implicated in kidney diseases, stroke-related pneumonia, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer, potentially aiding in clearing damaged mitochondria and regulating cancer cell invasion.

Conclusions:

• Migrasomes are versatile extracellular organelles with significant roles in health and disease.
• Their involvement in disease pathogenesis suggests potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.