Biotechnological Importance of Exosomes

Extracellular vesicles are molecules secreted by cells, wrapped in phospholipids and carrying some types of RNA, DNA and protein in their inner region. Extracellular vesicles are classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes based on their extent and formation process. Exosomes, which have the smallest structure, have received more attention than other extracellular vesicles. Exosomes contain different types of molecules in their structures. Cell membranes comprise a lipid bilayer and contain different cargo molecules and different surface receptors, depending on the cells of origin where biogenesis takes place. The biogenesis of exosomes begins within the endosomal system. Then they mature and are released out of the cell. The biogenesis of exosomes may be associated with the ESCRT complex and may depend on many molecules other than the ESCRT complex. Exosomes excreted by the origin cells are taken up by the target cells in different ways and show their effects. The effects of exosomes on their target cells may vary according to the cargo molecules they carry. They participate in cell-to-cell communication by sending different signals to distant or nearby target cells. Exosomes have a variety of pathological and physiological effects on disease and health. They have different effects on many diseases, especially cancer. They play an active role in cancer development, tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, drug resistance and immune system. There are many diseases that can be used as a biomarker due to increased secretion from cells of origin in pathological conditions. In addition, exosomes can be utilized as drug transportation systems due to their natural structure. In addition, they are potential candidates as effective vaccines because of their effects on immune system cells or the effects of exosomes secreted from immune system cells.

Keywords: Extracellular vesicles, Exosomes, Biogenesis, Diseases, Cancer, Metastasis, Tumor microenvironment, Biomarker, MiRNAs, Therapy, Immunity, Immune regulation, Clinical applications, Target, Vaccine, Drug resistance, Immune response, Cell metabolism, Intercellular communication, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition