Extracellular Vesicles Associated Metabolites as Intercellular Signalling Mediators in Disease and Therapy

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Metabolomics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, are key in cell-to-cell communication.
• The metabolite cargo of exosomes is less understood than proteins or nucleic acids.
• Exosomal metabolites represent a distinct signaling system with unique properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on the exosomal metabolome.
• To review mechanisms of metabolite encapsulation and loading selectivity.
• To critically evaluate the functional roles and therapeutic implications of exosomal metabolites.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
• Analysis of proposed mechanisms for metabolite encapsulation into exosomes.
• Quantitative framework for evaluating metabolite delivery impact on recipient cells.
• Critical appraisal of exosomal metabolites across functional categories.

Main Results:

• Exosomal metabolites function as energy substrates, signaling molecules, redox cofactors, and oncometabolites.
• Evidence suggests roles in metabolic symbiosis, immunometabolism, metabolic diseases, and cancer.
• Methodological challenges like contamination and isolation bias affect data interpretation.

Conclusions:

• The exosomal metabolome is a crucial, yet underexplored, signaling system.
• Understanding exosomal metabolite transport and function is vital for disease research.
• Standardization of metabolomics and integration with systems biology can advance precision medicine.