Roles of exosomes in the normal and diseased eye

Abstract

Exosomes are nanometer-sized vesicles that are released by cells in a controlled fashion and mediate a plethora of extra- and intercellular activities. Some key functions of exosomes include cell-cell communication, immune modulation, extracellular matrix turnover, stem cell division/differentiation, neovascularization and cellular waste removal. While much is known about their role in cancer, exosome function in the many specialized tissues of the eye is just beginning to undergo rigorous study. Here we review current knowledge of exosome function in the visual system in the context of larger bodies of data from other fields, in both health and disease. Additionally, we discuss recent advances in the exosome field including use of exosomes as a therapeutic vehicle, exosomes as a source of biomarkers for disease, plus current standards for isolation and validation of exosome populations. Finally, we use this foundational information about exosomes in the eye as a platform to identify areas of opportunity for future research studies.

Extracellular vesicle-mediated long-range communication in stressed retinal pigment epithelial cell monolayers

“…1E,F). Finally, as the ExoQuick-TC method used here for vesicle isolation might also isolate lipoprotein particles [39] and RPE cells release a range of modified lipoprotein particles, [40] ELISA measurements were performed to determine the ratio between syntenin-1 (exosome marker) [41] and ApoB (modified lipoprotein particle and secreted by ARPE-19 cells) [42]. All samples contained syntenin-1, whereas no ApoB was detected (data not shown).…”

“…In early AMD, the RPE is thought to contribute to the formation of drusen (extracellular material that builds up between the RPE and Bruch’s membrane). Wang et al, had proposed that exosomes released from aged RPE might contribute to the formation of drusen [50], and polarized release of exosomes from RPE cells has been described in cultured RPE cells [39, 82, 83]. In addition to damaging effects, exosomes released from the RPE are also thought to contribute to neuroptrotection in the retina [84].…”

Exosomal miR‐6803‐5p as potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in colorectal cancer

“…Exosomes are naturally found in common body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, and breast milk. Accumulated data have implicated that exosomes are involved in intercellular communications through transporting protein, nucleic acid, and other constituents with biological activities . Given the crucial role of exosomes in the regulation of biological processes, relevant research becomes hot, particularly in cancer research.…”

Role of retinal pigment epithelium‐derived exosomes and autophagy in new blood vessel formation

“…It has been previously established that EVs, particularly exosomes, play a central role in the proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells in different biological systems—in both physiological and pathological scenarios—by either increasing or reducing angiogenesis. Furthermore, RPE cells seem to release specific exosomes through the basolateral membrane towards the choroidal ECs . These exosomes.…”

“…Furthermore, RPE cells seem to release specific exosomes through the basolateral membrane towards the choroidal ECs. 48,49 These exosomes. An earlier study showed that stressed RPE cells released numerous exosomes expressing VEGFR2 which, when exposed to endothelial cells, hasten their growth.…”