Journal
PROTEIN & CELL
Volume 13, Issue 9, Pages 631-654Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1007/s13238-021-00863-6
Keywords
extracellular vesicles; exosomes; stem cells; cancer; exosomal communication; exosomal therapeutics
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Funding
- U.S. National Institute of Health [4R00CA226353-02]
- Hong Kong Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) [06172956]
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Fund (Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre) [5001-4001010]
- Research Grants Council Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) [T12-703-19R]
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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play crucial roles in intercellular communication, organ development, cancer progression, and have potential applications in therapy and diagnostics. Technological advancements have driven significant progress in this field, with discussions on EV characterization and future research perspectives emphasized.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny biological nanovesicles ranging from approximately 30-1000 nm in diameter that are released into the extracellular matrix of most cell types and in biofluids. The classification of EVs includes exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, dependent on various factors such as size, markers, and biogenesis pathways. The transition of EV relevance from that of being assumed as a trash bag to be a key player in critical physiological and pathological conditions has been revolutionary in many ways. EVs have been recently revealed to play a crucial role in stem cell biology and cancer progression via intercellular communication, contributing to organ development and the progression of cancer. This review focuses on the significant research progress made so far in the role of the crosstalk between EVs and stem cells and their niche, and cellular communication among different germ layers in developmental biology. In addition, it discusses the role of EVs in cancer progression and their application as therapeutic agents or drug delivery vehicles. All such discoveries have been facilitated by tremendous technological advancements in EV-associated research, especially the microfluidics systems. Their pros and cons in the context of characterization of EVs are also extensively discussed in this review. This review also deliberates the role of EVs in normal cell processes and disease conditions, and their application as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Finally, we propose future perspectives for EV-related research in stem cell and cancer biology.
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