Download to read offline
EXOSOMES type of cell organ and cell cycle
- 1. EXOSOMES tiny vesicle, bigpotential BY urvi aparnathi M.SC microbiology GMIU
- 2. What Are Exosomes? •Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle (EV), which are tiny, lipid-bound particles released by virtually all cells. • They range in size from 30 to 150 nanometers (nm), making them much smaller than a cell. • Functionally, they act as intercellular messengers by carrying a cargo of molecules from a parent cell to a recipient cell. • Formation: Exosomes form inside a cell within a late endosome, which matures into a multivesicular body (MVB). The MVB then fuses with the cell membrane, releasing the exosomes into the extracellular space.
- 3. How Are ExosomesFormed and Released? • 1. Endocytosis: The process begins with the inward budding of the cell membrane, forming an endosome. • 2. Multivesicular Body (MVB) Formation: The endosome matures into a multivesicular body, with the inward budding of its membrane creating many tiny intraluminal vesicles (ILVs). These ILVs are the future exosomes. • 3. Release: The MVB then fuses with the cell's plasma membrane, releasing the ILVs—now called exosomes—into the extracellular space.
- 4. Exosome Cargo: TheMessage • Proteins: They carry a wide variety of proteins, including cell-surface receptors and enzymes, which can influence the function of recipient cells. • Lipids: The lipid composition of the exosome membrane is unique and can affect its stability and ability to fuse with target cells. • Nucleic Acids: This is the most fascinating part! Exosomes can transfer genetic information in the form of microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and DNA, potentially reprogramming recipient cells.
- 5. The Role ofExosomes in Health • Intercellular Communication: They are a fundamental part of the body's communication network, allowing cells to talk to each other over long distances. • Immune Response: Exosomes released by immune cells can activate or suppress immune responses. • Tissue Repair: They can carry growth factors and other molecules that promote tissue regeneration and wound healing.
- 6. Exosomes in Disease •Cancer: Cancer cells release a high number of exosomes that can promote tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. They can also "educate" other cells to create a favorable environment for the tumor. • Neurological Disorders: Exosomes are implicated in the spread of misfolded proteins in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. • Infectious Diseases: Viruses can "hitch a ride" on exosomes to spread their genetic material to new cells, evading the host's immune system.
- 7. Exosomes in Diagnostics •Liquid Biopsies: Because exosomes are found in all bodily fluids (blood, urine, saliva), they serve as a rich source of biomarkers. • Early Disease Detection: Analyzing the cargo of exosomes can help in the early detection of diseases like cancer, as their content reflects the state of the parent cell. • Non-Invasive Monitoring: They offer a non-invasive way to track disease progression and a patient's response to treatment.
- 8. Therapeutic Potential ofExosomes • Drug Delivery: Exosomes can be loaded with therapeutic drugs (chemotherapy, gene therapy agents) and used as "nanocarriers" to deliver them directly to target cells. Their natural origin makes them biocompatible. • Regenerative Medicine: Exosomes from stem cells can be used to promote tissue repair and regeneration in conditions like heart disease or nerve damage. • Immunotherapy: Exosomes can be engineered to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells or to induce immune tolerance for autoimmune diseases.
- 9. Challenges and FutureOutlook Challenges: • Standardization of isolation and purification methods. • Large-scale production for clinical use. • Understanding their complex cargo and targeting mechanisms. Future Outlook: • Development of a new class of exosome-based diagnostics and therapeutics. • Personalized medicine using exosomes tailored to a patient's specific disease profile. • Unlocking more of the secrets of intercellular communication.
- 10.