Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Cell–Cell Communication in the Nervous System: Focus on Neurological Diseases

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are membranous particles released by cells into the extracellular space. They are involved in cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, and organ remodelling in virtually all tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). They are secreted by a range of cell types and via blood reaching other cells whose functioning they can modify because they transport and deliver active molecules, such as proteins of various types and functions, lipids, DNA, and miRNAs. Since they are relatively easy to isolate, exosomes can be characterized, and their composition elucidated and manipulated by bioengineering techniques. Consequently, exosomes appear as promising theranostics elements, applicable to accurately diagnosing pathological conditions, and assessing prognosis and response to treatment in a variety of disorders. Likewise, the characteristics and manageability of exosomes make them potential candidates for delivering selected molecules, e.g., therapeutic drugs, to specific target tissues. All these possible applications are pertinent to research in neurophysiology, as well as to the study of neurological disorders, including CNS tumors, and autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. In this brief review, we discuss what is known about the role and potential future applications of exosomes in the nervous system and its diseases, focusing on cell–cell communication in physiology and pathology.

Unraveling the Molecular Signature of Extracellular Vesicles From Endometrial-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Potential Modulatory Effects and Therapeutic Applications

“…It is important to note that EVs are considered critical mediators of cell to cell communication through the exchange of different molecules, such as proteins, DNA, RNA species, and metabolites (Caruso Bavisotto et al, 2019). Remarkably, EVs cargo can be modulated by different stimuli to the source cell, exerting pleiotropic effects on the recipient cell (Yoon et al, 2014).…”

Curcumin Affects HSP60 Folding Activity and Levels in Neuroblastoma Cells

“…Many investigations have been done in the attempt to use chaperones for the corrections of protein misfolding and treatment of human diseases [41]. Among HSPs, HSP60 has been shown to be involved in brain tumors [1,[42][43][44], and preclinical in vitro and in vivo data have shown that curcumin may be an effective treatment for brain tumors [17]. Nevertheless, it remains to be explored what the effect of curcumin on HSP60 s expression and/or function is.…”

Molecular chaperones in the brain endothelial barrier: neurotoxicity or neuroprotection?

“…However, the design of this type of drug is hampered by the fact that HSPs are actually more than cytosolic chaperones and should be considered as important regulators of signaling pathways. Their membrane localization and the interactions they maintain with lipids are associated with the facilitation of endocytosis or the release of exosomes and antiapoptotic mechanisms in cancers, for example (81). Thus, the membrane-HSP mechanistic interactions must be decrypted to reduce the toxicity of drugs.…”