Article
Cell Biology
Ayelet Dangot, Mor Zavaro, Tali Hana Bar-Lev, Lian Bannon, Ayala Zilberman, Eliana Pickholz, Irit Avivi, Anat Aharon
Summary: This pilot study aimed to explore the characteristics of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released during COVID-19 infection occurring during the third trimester of pregnancy. The majority of COVID-19-positive pregnant subjects experienced good pregnancy-related outcomes. The EV concentrations were higher in healthy-pregnant subjects compared to non-pregnant subjects, and lower in COVID-19-positive pregnant subjects compared to healthy-pregnant subjects.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taylor F. Gunnels, Devin M. Stranford, Roxana E. Mitrut, Neha P. Kamat, Joshua N. Leonard
Summary: The study demonstrates that cell-mimicking decoy nanoparticles can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, providing a promising approach to overcome drug resistance challenges and offering significant implications for potential clinical applications.
Article
Hematology
Jue Wang, Usha R. Pendurthi, Guohua Yi, L. Vijaya Mohan Rao
Summary: ASMase plays a crucial role in the procoagulant activity of TF induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection, activating coagulation by decrypting TF. Inhibition of ASMase may help treat hypercoagulability in patients with COVID-19.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Feng Xie, Peng Su, Ting Pan, Xiaoxue Zhou, Heyu Li, Huizhe Huang, Aijun Wang, Fangwei Wang, Jun Huang, Haiyan Yan, Linghui Zeng, Long Zhang, Fangfang Zhou
Summary: ACE2 plays a key role in the interaction with SARS-CoV-2, and its levels in extracellular vesicles are regulated by protein palmitoylation. Modifying ACE2 with palmitoylation affects its membrane-targeting and secretion in EVs, showing potential for neutralizing SARS-CoV-2.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Beatriz Almeida, Tania R. Dias, Ana Luisa Teixeira, Francisca Dias, Rui Medeiros
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. However, there are still unanswered questions regarding its impact on public health, such as the effect of vaccination on vulnerable populations like cancer patients. Immunosuppression in these individuals can lead to a dysfunctional antiviral response to viral infection and compromised vaccination response. This review focuses on the role of extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs in COVID-19 infection and their potential as prognostic biomarkers for vaccination response in cancer patients.
Article
Immunology
Ruiting Sun, Yanling Cai, Yumin Zhou, Ge Bai, Airu Zhu, Panyue Kong, Jing Sun, Yimin Li, Yuefei Liu, Wenting Liao, Jiye Liu, Nan Cui, Jinsheng Xiang, Bing Li, Jincun Zhao, Di Wu, Pixin Ran
Summary: This study collected sputum samples from COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, and found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the sputum of patients carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus and can infect normal cells. In addition, EVs in the samples of COVID-19 patients express proteins related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings demonstrate the involvement of EVs in virus infection and immune responses, and provide insights into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the possibility of developing nanoparticle-based antiviral drugs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Bjarne Osterud, Nadezhda Latysheva, Christian Schoergenhofer, Bernd Jilma, John-Bjarne Hansen, Omri Snir
Summary: The study developed a sensitive and specific TF activity assay based on FX activation acceleration, showing high sensitivity and specificity. It can reliably quantify TF activity on cell surface, cell lysate, and isolated EVs, suitable for both laboratory and clinical research.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuxuan Fu, Sidong Xiong
Summary: EVs can be recognized and endocytosed by tissue cells via specific interactions between surface membrane proteins, providing the potential for specific tissue targeting and drug delivery.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Emilly Caroline dos Santos Moraes, Remy Martins-Goncalves, Luana Rocha da Silva, Samuel Coelho Mandacaru, Reynaldo Magalhaes Melo, Isaclaudia Azevedo-Quintanilha, Jonas Perales, Fernando A. Bozza, Thiago Moreno Lopes Souza, Hugo Caire Castro-Faria-Neto, Eugenio D. Hottz, Patricia T. Bozza, Monique R. O. Trugilho
Summary: This study identified significant changes in the proteome of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from severe COVID-19 patients using a label-free shotgun proteomic approach. Flow cytometry experiments showed an increase in total circulating EVs with procoagulant activity. Differentially expressed proteins in the disease groups were associated with complement and coagulation cascades, platelet degranulation, and acute inflammatory response.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Myriam Cerezo-Magana, Anna Bang-Rudenstam, Mattias Belting
Summary: As structural components of the glycocalyx, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play multiple roles in cell signaling cascades and act as endocytosis receptors for particle structures including lipoproteins, extracellular vesicles, and enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2. However, HSPGs are still not extensively studied due to their diversity and complex regulation. Recent studies have focused on HSPGs as receptors for internalizing extracellular vesicles and SARS-CoV-2 particles and have highlighted similarities in their biophysical and structural characteristics. Understanding these similarities, such as their biogenesis, size, and lipid composition, may help explain their reliance on HSPGs for efficient attachment and uptake on the cell surface. Additionally, the complex composition of extracellular vesicles and viral mechanisms that enhance infectivity complicate therapeutic strategies targeting their uptake.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Milka Koupenova, Heather A. Corkrey, Olga Vitseva, Kahraman Tanriverdi, Mohan Somasundaran, Ping Liu, Shaukat Soofi, Rohan Bhandari, Matthew Godwin, Krishna Mohan Parsi, Alyssa Cousineau, Rene Maehr, Jennifer P. Wang, Scott J. Cameron, Jeffrey Rade, Robert W. Finberg, Jane E. Freedman
Summary: The study revealed that platelets in COVID-19 patients contain viral RNA and proteins, and that SARS-CoV-2 can directly influence platelet internalization and cell death, which may contribute to complications like thrombosis.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Yasunari Matsuzaka, Ryu Yashiro
Summary: Messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) vaccines are commonly used for SARS-CoV-2, despite challenges with storage, stability, effective period, and side effects. Viral vector vaccines, on the other hand, have gained popularity for preventing and treating various diseases. Encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), viral vectors present a promising approach due to safety and ability to evade neutral antibodies. This review summarizes the potential cellular mechanisms underlying EV-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
Article
Immunology
Flavia Ferrantelli, Chiara Chiozzini, Francesco Manfredi, Andrea Giovannelli, Patrizia Leone, Maurizio Federico
Summary: A new vaccination approach based on in vivo engineering of extracellular vesicles to induce CD8(+) T cytotoxic lymphocyte immunity, resulting in cross-presentation of antigens to prime antigen-specific CD8(+) T-cells and initiate immune responses against viruses.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eugene M. Obeng, Isaac Fianu, Michael K. Danquah
Summary: The spread of coronavirus diseases has created a need for the development of potent drugs and vaccines. Engineered ACE2 has shown potential in combating viral infestation. This article discusses promising ACE2 engineering pathways for current and emerging coronavirus therapeutic development.
Review
Cell Biology
Xiaohang Chen, Huifei Li, Haoyue Song, Jie Wang, Xiaoxuan Zhang, Pengcheng Han, Xing Wang
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show great potential in disease diagnosis, drug development, and vaccine carriers, especially in combating COVID-19. Intercepting and decoding the information carried in circulating EVs from COVID-19 patients can provide important clues for diagnosis and treatment. Engineered EVs modified by gene editing can enhance the anti-viral effects, facilitate tissue repair, and improve vaccine efficacy.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2022)
Article
Transplantation
Jacopo Burrello, Silvia Monticone, Alessio Burrello, Sara Bolis, Carlotta Pia Cristalli, Giorgia Comai, Valeria Corradetti, Cristina Grange, Giuseppe Orlando, Massimiliano Bonafe, Gaetano La Manna, Lucio Barile, Benedetta Bussolati
Summary: This study explored the use of extracellular vesicle (EV) surface antigens as potential predictors of kidney transplant outcome. It found that endothelial cells and platelet markers in serum EVs were higher in patients with persistent kidney dysfunction, while mesenchymal progenitor cell markers in urine EVs increased in patients with renal recovery. These markers correlated with kidney function indicators and were able to predict patient outcomes.
NEPHROLOGY DIALYSIS TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Andrea Borghesi, Alessio Burrello, Andrea Bartolini
Summary: In recent years, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has made significant progress in various industries by utilizing technologies such as Big Data processing and artificial intelligence (AI). Large-scale data centers can benefit from adopting Big Data analytics and AI-driven approaches for effective predictive maintenance. However, existing off-the-shelf solutions are not well-suited for high-performance computing (HPC) environments, as they do not sufficiently address the heterogeneous data sources and privacy concerns, or fully utilize the computing capabilities in supercomputing facilities. This article proposes an IIoT holistic and vertical framework for predictive maintenance in supercomputers, which includes a lightweight data monitoring infrastructure, specialized databases for heterogeneous data, and high-level AI functionalities tailored to the specific needs of HPC actors. The deployment and usage of this framework in several in-production HPC systems are presented and evaluated.
IEEE INTERNET OF THINGS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Mohsin Hassan, Oriol Juanola, Stefania Huber, Philipp Kellmann, Jakob Zimmermann, Edoardo Lazzarini, Stephanie C. Ganal-Vonarburg, Mercedes Gomez de Agueero, Sheida Moghadamrad
Summary: Math1/Atoh1 is a transcription factor necessary for the differentiation of secretory cells in the intestinal epithelium. This study shows that in germ-free mice, the depletion of Paneth cells is incomplete and the gene expression of Math1 is reduced. In addition, germ-free mice exhibit delayed epithelial cell renewal and depletion of preexisting Paneth cells. Colonization of the gut microbiota restores the expected phenotype.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Concetta Schiano, Carolina Balbi, Filomena de Nigris, Claudio Napoli
Summary: Both cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer affect the integrity of the vascular system through pathological vascular modifications mediated by interactions between endothelial cells and their microenvironment. Emerging determinants of these modifications include soluble factors, extracellular matrix molecules, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) which trigger specific signals in target cells. EVs, as packages of molecules with epigenetic reversible activity, have gained attention as potential biomarkers and regulators of functional vascular changes, although their mechanisms are not well understood. In this paper, we review the role and mechanism of exosomal epigenetic molecules in vascular remodeling in coronary heart disease and cancer-associated neoangiogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chen Xie, Alessio Burrello, Francesco Daghero, Luca Benini, Andrea Calimera, Enrico Macii, Massimo Poncino, Daniele Jahier Pagliari
Summary: Hand gesture recognition applications based on sEMG signals can benefit from on-device execution for faster and more predictable response times and higher energy efficiency. This study proposes a novel gesture recognition system that improves upon state-of-the-art models in terms of accuracy and efficiency by optimizing DL model architecture and execution.
Article
Biology
Claudia Altomare, Chiara Bartolucci, Luca Sala, Carolina Balbi, Jacopo Burrello, Nicole Pietrogiovanna, Alessio Burrello, Sara Bolis, Stefano Panella, Martina Arici, Rolf Krause, Marcella Rocchetti, Stefano Severi, Lucio Barile
Summary: An in silico hybrid model and an unsupervised learning algorithm were used to classify differentiated hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from a mixed population. The model derived electrical biomarkers and employed the dynamic clamp technique for classification. Pharmacological validation was performed to improve the translational relevance of the model.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Francesca Toto, Laura Leo, Catherine Klersy, Tiziano Torre, Thomas Theologou, Alberto Pozzoli, Elena Caporali, Stefanos Demertzis, Enrico Ferrari
Summary: The study evaluated the clinical outcomes and hemodynamic performance of two standard aortic bioprostheses. The results showed that the postoperative outcomes and mid-term follow-up were similar between the Trifecta and Perimount bioprostheses. Although the Trifecta valve showed better hemodynamic performance in the early postoperative period, this advantage did not persist over time. There was no difference in the reoperation rate for structural valve degeneration between the two valves.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ana Salome Pires, Sveva Bollini, Maria Filomena Botelho, Ingrid Lang-Olip, Peter Ponsaerts, Carolina Balbi, Anna Lange-Consiglio, Mathilde Fenelon, Slavko Mojsilovic, Ekaterine Berishvili, Fausto Cremonesi, Maria Gazouli, Diana Bugarski, Alexandra Gellhaus, Halima Kerdjoudj, Andreina Schoeberlein
Summary: Over the past 18 years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic use of perinatal derivatives (PnD). The COST SPRINT Action (CA17116) aims to provide systematic reviews of preclinical studies to understand the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of PnD in diseases and injuries. They describe strategies used to collect and analyze published data for meta-analyses and reviews of PnD therapies, with the goal of establishing standards for assessing safety and clinical benefit.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maximilian Y. Emmert, Jacopo Burrello, Petra Wolint, Monika Hilbe, Gabriella Andriolo, Carolina Balbi, Elena Provasi, Lucia Turchetto, Marina Radrizzani, Timo Z. Nazari-Shafti, Nikola Cesarovic, Sebastian Neuber, Volkmar Falk, Simon P. Hoerstrup, Rayyan Hemetsberger, Mariann Gyoengyoesi, Lucio Barile, Giuseppe Vassalli
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Lisi, Giorgia Senesi, Nadia Bertola, Matteo Pecoraro, Sara Bolis, Alice Gualerzi, Silvia Picciolini, Andrea Raimondi, Cristina Fantini, Elisa Moretti, Attilio Parisi, Paolo Sgro, Luigi Di Luigi, Roger Geiger, Silvia Ravera, Giuseppe Vassalli, Daniela Caporossi, Carolina Balbi
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can lead to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and vasoconstriction, resulting in arterial hypertension. Physical exercise (PE) can protect against CVD by reducing ROS levels and increasing antioxidant enzyme expression. This study investigated the role of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) after exercise and found that they have antioxidant activity and a cardioprotective effect.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sandra Pinton, Elena Vacchi, Giacomo Chiaro, Andrea Raimondi, Alexandar Tzankov, Bernhard Gerber, Claudio Gobbi, Alain Kaelin-Lang, Giorgia Melli
Summary: Skin biopsy is a sensitive and reliable test for detecting and typing amyloid in patients with systemic amyloidosis. It allows for the identification of the precursor protein by electron microscope. It is an important component of the diagnostic work up for systemic amyloidosis.
ANNALS OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Carolina Balbi, Pietro Parisse, Hendrik Vondracek, Edoardo Lazzarini, Sara Bolis, Tudor E. Fertig, Mihaela Gherghiceanu, Lucio Barile, Giuseppe Vassalli
Summary: This study compares the impact of two isolation methods, ultracentrifugation (UC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), on small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from human cardiac progenitor cells. The results show that sEV_UC isolated by UC exhibits stronger biological activity and regulatory effects in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, while also having higher levels of protein contamination. These findings emphasize the importance of standardized isolation protocols for sEVs.
Correction
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Vanessa Biemmi, Giuseppina Milano, Alessandra Ciullo, Elisabetta Cervio, Jacopo Burrello, Michele Dei Cas, Rita Paroni, Tiziano Tallone, Tiziano Moccetti, Giovanni Pedrazzini, Sarah Longnus, Giuseppe Vassalli, Lucio Barile
Article
Cell Biology
Andrea Ridolfi, Laura Conti, Marco Brucale, Roberto Frigerio, Jacopo Cardellini, Angelo Musico, Miriam Romano, Andrea Zendrini, Laura Polito, Greta Bergamaschi, Alessandro Gori, Costanza Montis, Stefano Panella, Lucio Barile, Debora Berti, Annalisa Radeghieri, Paolo Bergese, Marina Cretich, Francesco Valle
Summary: The overlapping physicochemical properties of lipoproteins and extracellular vesicles pose challenges in isolating and characterizing these biogenic lipid nanoparticles. This study presents a rapid nanomechanical screening method using atomic force microscopy to determine the diameter and stiffness of individual nanometric objects in mixed lipoprotein and extracellular vesicle samples. The method enables discrimination of co-isolated vesicles and lipoproteins based on their specific nanomechanical readouts and provides insights into the relationship between mechanical behavior and structural features. The approach is label-free and can be used to assess the purity of lipoprotein and extracellular vesicle isolates efficiently.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
