Regulation of cargo selection in exosome biogenesis and its biomedical applications in cancer

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are increasingly recognized as potent mediators of intercellular communication due to their capacity to transport a diverse array of bioactive molecules. They assume vital roles in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes and hold significant promise as emerging disease biomarkers, therapeutic agents, and carriers for drug delivery. Exosomes encompass specific groups of membrane proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, cytosolic proteins, and other signaling molecules within their interior. These cargo molecules dictate targeting specificity and functional roles upon reaching recipient cells. Despite our growing understanding of the significance of exosomes in diverse biological processes, the molecular mechanisms governing the selective sorting and packaging of cargo within exosomes have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize current insights into the molecular mechanisms that regulate the sorting of various molecules into exosomes, the resulting biological functions, and potential clinical applications, with a particular emphasis on their relevance in cancer and other diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the loading processes and mechanisms involved in exosome cargo sorting is essential for uncovering the physiological and pathological roles of exosomes, identifying therapeutic targets, and advancing the clinical development of exosome-based therapeutics. Extracellular vesicles (EVs)-tiny structures produced by cells that are important for cell-to-cell communication-contain various molecules, a process known as cargo sorting. However, how these molecules are selected and packaged into EVs is not fully understood. This research by Lee, Shin, and Chae provides a detailed analysis of our current knowledge of cargo sorting in exosome biogenesis. They reviewed the literature on the types of molecules in exosome cargo, the factors and machinery controlling cargo selection and packaging, and the role of cargo sorting in diseases. They found that understanding exosome cargo sorting is vital for managing diseases and developing exosome-based treatments. This could help design exosomes that can more effectively deliver therapeutic substances to specific cells or tissues, improving the effectiveness and accuracy of these treatments in clinical use.This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.