Innovative Applications of Extracellular Vesicles: From Diagnostics to Drug Delivery
A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 256
Special Issue Editor
Interests: extracellular vesicles; exosomes; cancer biochemistry; tumor microenvironment; drug delivery
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have received much scientific attention throughout the last decade as mediators of a newly discovered cell-to-cell communication system, acting over short and long distances. EVs are generated by the blebbing of the plasma membrane (microvesicles) formed in multivesicular bodies to be secreted by exocytosis as exosomes. Exosomes, microvesicles, and other EVs carry a wide range of cargo, including proteins, lipids, and RNAs. This composition can differ based on their site of biogenesis, making them rich sources of biomarkers for various diseases.
In diagnostics, EVs are extremely valuable due to their ability to reflect the physiological and pathological state of their cells of origin. The molecular cargo of EVs can provide detailed information about the presence and stage of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. They can be isolated from bodily fluids, providing non-invasive methods for early disease detection, monitoring disease progression, and tailoring personalized treatment strategies.
Due to their biocompatibility, stability, lower immunogenicity, and unique features, EVs are widely explored as drug delivery systems, showing promising results in preclinical studies. EVs can be engineered to deliver therapeutic agents, including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, directly to target cells.
This Special Issue aims to discuss recent advances in the field of EVs and their role as mediators of intercellular communication in pathological conditions, highlighting their potential innovative strategies for significant advancements in therapeutics and diagnostics.
Dr. Alessandra Lo Cicero
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- extracellular vesicles
- exosomes
- cancer
- cardiovascular diseases
- neurodegenerative diseases
- biomarkers
- diagnostics
- cell-cell communication
- drug delivery
- therapeutics
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