Utilizing Extracellular Vesicles for Eliminating ‘Unwanted Molecules’: Harnessing Nature’s Structures in Modern Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small phospholipid bilayer-bond structures released by diverse cell types into the extracellular environment, maintaining homeostasis of the cell by balancing cellular stress. This article provides a comprehensive overview of extracellular vesicles, their heterogeneity, and diversified roles in cellular processes, emphasizing their importance in the elimination of unwanted molecules. They play a role in regulating oxidative stress, particularly by discarding oxidized toxic molecules. Furthermore, endoplasmic reticulum stress induces the release of EVs, contributing to distinct results, including autophagy or ER stress transmission to following cells. ER stress-induced autophagy is a part of unfolded protein response (UPR) and protects cells from ER stress-related apoptosis. Mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs) also play a role in maintaining homeostasis, as they carry damaged mitochondrial components, thereby preventing inflammation. Moreover, EVs partake in regulating aging-related processes, and therefore they can potentially play a crucial role in anti-aging therapies, including the treatment of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or cardiovascular conditions. Overall, the purpose of this article is to provide a better understanding of EVs as significant mediators in both physiological and pathological processes, and to shed light on their potential for therapeutic interventions targeting EV-mediated pathways in various pathological conditions, with an emphasis on age-related diseases.

A case for the study of native extracellular vesicles

“…In this context, EVs may represent emerging targets for the prevention and treatment of diseases that stem from environmental exposures ( 31 ). This is because EVs are involved in the clearance and transport of proteins and nucleic acids, responding to cellular stress and unwanted molecules ( 5 , 32 , 33 ). Therefore, a better understanding of nEVs is key to improve disease detection and prevention.…”