Abstract:
Extracellular vesicle (EV)-based communication is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of intercellular communication, from bacteria to humans. Eukaryotic EVs are nanosized particles of endosomal origin that carry and deliver to target cells complex cargo including DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, etc, leading to functional changes and reprograming of target cells. As long-range messengers, EVs elicit as well as report systemic alterations, and are responsible for many of the systemic effects of cancer as well as other pathologies such as autoimmune diseases. We have developed novel in vivo approaches to dissect the EV-mediated mechanisms driving these effects, including pre-metastatic niche formation, thrombosis and cachexia, and used these to guide biomarker discovery for early cancer detection and responses to treatments. Undoubtedly, further insight into exosome biogenesis, molecular composition, biodistribution, and functions will open new avenues for translational studies of the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications of extracellular vesicles/particles. Ultimately, we aim to improve cancer outcomes, especially solid tumors, where treatment options for metastatic disease are limited.
