Review
Oncology
Akbar Lulu Marzan, Sarah Elizabeth Stewart
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%, largely due to factors such as inadequate diagnostics, rapid metastasis, and chemoresistance. Research on extracellular vesicles in pancreatic cancer progression and chemoresistance is crucial for identifying new treatment options. Accumulating evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles may serve as biomarkers for early detection and as potential therapeutic targets or drug delivery tools for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shizhen Shen, Zhangjin Shen, Conghui Wang, Xiaodong Wu, Lingfang Wang, Lele Ye, Songfa Zhang, Xiaodong Cheng
Summary: In this study, a method for extracting extracellular vesicles (EVs) from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissues was optimized to investigate the effect of cryopreservation on the phenotypes, contents, and biological functions of the extracted EVs. The results showed that cryopreservation affected the yield and distribution of EVs, but not their morphology or particle mass ratio. The storage of tissues at -80°C increased both small and large EV yields, while the storage of lysates at -80°C decreased large EV yield and increased small EV yield. The cryopreserved EOC tissue retained a high percentage of proteins and miRNAs, and the extracted EVs could promote angiogenesis and invasive migration ability in human endothelial cells. This suggests that cryopreserved EOC tissue has clinical value for studying tissue-derived EVs, especially those related to EV proteins.
Article
Oncology
Shea P. O'Connell, Maria Frantzi, Agnieszka Latosinska, Martyn Webb, William Mullen, Martin Pejchinovski, Mark Salji, Harald Mischak, Colin S. Cooper, Jeremy Clark, Daniel S. Brewer
Summary: This study developed a urine test to predict the aggressiveness of prostate cancer and potentially reduce the need for biopsies. By combining clinical measurements, gene levels, and peptides in urine, this test improves the assessment accuracy and reliability for men with suspected prostate cancer.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lei Zhang, Haiyan Wang, Guofa Zhao, Nan Li, Xiaofang Wang, Yumiao Li, Youchao Jia, Xiaoqiang Qiao
Summary: Exosomes, carrying a large amount of genetic materials, have become the most ideal analysis target for liquid biopsy. A novel Tim4@ILI-01 immunoaffinity material with high capture efficiency and easy release of captured exosomes has been successfully designed and developed, showing great potential for practical clinical applications in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elisabeta Badila, Cristina Japie, Ana-Maria Vrabie, Adrian Badila, Adriana Georgescu
Summary: Cardiovascular disease and cancer remain significant causes of morbidity and mortality globally. The prevention and treatment of heart disease in cancer patients present ongoing challenges for improving their quality of life and survival. Limited progress has been made in early detection of cardiovascular disease in cancer patients, highlighting the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms and disease-specific biomarkers in the communication between cancer and cardiovascular disease. Research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators of this cross talk is still in its early stages. Investigating EV-based biomarkers and therapies may provide insights into responsible mechanisms, early detection of cardiovascular damage, and new therapeutic approaches. The ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in oncological patients receiving anticancer drugs or radiotherapy.
Article
Oncology
Juliana Mueller Bark, Lucas Trevisan Franca de Lima, Xi Zhang, Daniel Broszczak, Paul J. Leo, Rosalind L. Jeffree, Benjamin Chua, Bryan W. Day, Chamindie Punyadeera
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of isolating and characterizing small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from pre- and postoperative saliva samples from glioblastoma (GBM) patients for the first time. Preliminary findings encourage further large cohort validation studies on salivary small EVs to evaluate prognosis in GBM.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiaowei Wei, Lijun Cai, Hanxu Chen, Luoran Shang, Yuanjin Zhao, Weijian Sun
Summary: This study proposes a novel system for multiplexed analysis of bladder cancer-derived urine exosomes using magnetic microspheres as barcoded microcarriers. The unique structure of the microcarriers allows for controllable movement and high sensitivity detection of exosomes. The noninvasive nature of the platform, combined with its good sensitivity, specificity, low sample consumption, and ease of use, indicates its great potential for bladder cancer diagnosis in clinical applications.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Krizia Sagini, Lorena Urbanelli, Sandra Buratta, Carla Emiliani, Alicia Llorente
Summary: Altered cellular metabolism is a well-established hallmark of cancer, including the upregulation of lipid metabolism. Recent advances in lipid analysis have allowed for the investigation of the lipid content in cancer patient biofluids, leading to the discovery of potential cancer biomarkers. Biofluid-derived extracellular vesicles, with their unique molecular signature, have emerged as a promising platform for lipid biomarker discovery.
Article
Cell Biology
Nasibeh Karimi, Razieh Dalirfardouei, Tomas Dias, Jan Lotvall, Cecilia Lasser
Summary: This study reveals the presence of multiple subpopulations of extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying different tetraspanins in both plasma and serum. The sampling methods and centrifugation protocols used for blood can impact EV analysis results.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yael Hirschberg, Natalia Valle-Tamayo, Oriol Dols-Icardo, Sebastiaan Engelborghs, Bart Buelens, Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke, Yannick Vermeiren, Kurt Boonen, Inge Mertens
Summary: Dementia is a leading cause of death worldwide, and this study focused on analyzing the proteome of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and CSF-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) from patients with Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson's disease dementia. The analysis identified differentially expressed proteins that can be helpful for differential diagnosis and offer new avenues for research into disease-specific pharmacological therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qinming Zhang, Hannah J. Loghry, Jingjing Qian, Michael J. Kimber, Liang Dong, Meng Lu
Summary: This paper introduces a unique exosome assay technology that combines magnetic nanoparticle-based exosome extraction and photonic crystal-based label-free exosome detection in a single vessel within one hour, with improved sensitivity and selectivity. The high specificity is achieved by functionalizing both nanoparticles and photonic crystals with specific antibodies, resulting in a low limit of detection and high enrichment factor for exosomes. The method is validated for analyzing membrane proteins of exosomes with high selectivity and sensitivity, showing great potential for exosome-based disease diagnostics.
Article
Neurosciences
Arada Vinaiphat, Siu Kwan Sze
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer particles released by almost every cell type, carrying proteins, RNAs, etc. that reflect the cellular state and participate in intercellular communication. Recent studies have shown that EVs play a role in neuroprotection and contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, studying EV proteome can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Sarah Beck, Bernhard Hochreiter, Johannes A. Schmid
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play crucial roles in intercellular communication by transferring nucleotides and proteins, and are associated with diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and thrombosis. They have the potential to serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and as vehicles for therapeutics in the future.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Surman, Sylwia Kedracka-Krok, Urszula Jankowska, Anna Drozdz, Ewa Stepien, Malgorzata Przybylo
Summary: The study focused on identifying biologically relevant proteins in UBC-derived ectosomes, showing that T-24 ectosomes contained more unique proteins and promoted proliferation and motility of recipient cells by transferring cancer-promoting molecules. The findings confirm the role of UBC-derived ectosomes in cancer development and progression, suggesting their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in bladder cancer management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Muhammad Hossein Ashoub, Maryam Samareh Salavatipour, Fatemeh Hoseinpour Kasgari, Hajar Mardani Valandani, Roohollah Mirzaee Khalilabadi
Summary: Microvesicles are cellular membrane vesicles released by cells in response to activation signals and apoptosis. They have the ability for intercellular communication and information exchange, and their content can help identify their origin. These particles are capable of changing the physiology of target cells by transferring molecules and altering the epigenetics of cells through DNA and RNA transfer. Microvesicles play significant roles in both physiological and pathologic conditions, and their synthesis, contents, and known roles have been reviewed to explore potential applications in leukemia.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Maurizio Bruschi, Gabriella Moroni, Renato Alberto Sinico, Franco Franceschini, Micaela Fredi, Augusto Vaglio, Lorenzo Cavagna, Andrea Petretto, Federico Pratesi, Paola Migliorini, Francesco Locatelli, Giulia Pazzola, Giampaola Pesce, Marcello Bagnasco, Angelo Manfredi, Giuseppe A. Ramirez, Pasquale Esposito, Giuseppe Murdaca, Simone Negrini, Leda Cipriani, Barbara Trezzi, Giacomo Emmi, Ilaria Cavazzana, Valentina Binda, Matteo d'Alessandro, Paride Fenaroli, Isabella Pisani, Giacomo Garibotto, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Domenico Santoro, Francesco Scolari, Stefano Volpi, Marta Mosca, Angela Tincani, Giovanni Candiano, Marco Prunotto, Enrico Verrina, Andrea Angeletti, Angelo Ravelli, Gian Marco Ghiggeri
Summary: The circulating anti-ENO1, anti-H2A, and anti-ANXA1 antibodies were associated with high proteinuria in lupus nephritis patients, with the anti-ENO1 antibody showing the maximum reduction within 12 months paralleling the decrease in proteinuria. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were not linked to renal outcome parameters. New IgG2 antibody signatures have the potential to be used as markers for personalized therapies in lupus nephritis.
Article
Rheumatology
Maurizio Bruschi, Gabriella Moroni, Renato Alberto Sinico, Franco Franceschini, Micaela Fredi, Augusto Vaglio, Lorenzo Cavagna, Andrea Petretto, Federico Pratesi, Paola Migliorini, Francesco Locatelli, Giulia Pazzola, Giampaola Pesce, Marcello Bagnasco, Angelo Manfredi, Giuseppe A. Ramirez, Pasquale Esposito, Giuseppe Murdaca, Simone Negrini, Leda Cipriani, Barbara Trezzi, Giacomo Emmi, Ilaria Cavazzana, Valentina Binda, Paride Fenaroli, Isabella Pisani, Giacomo Garibotto, Carlomaurizio Montecucco, Domenico Santoro, Francesco Scolari, Marta Mosca, Angela Tincani, Giovanni Candiano, Marco Prunotto, Stefano Volpi, Enrico Verrina, Andrea Angeletti, Angelo Ravelli, Gian Marco Ghiggeri
Summary: This study demonstrated the potential of IgG2 antibodies in serum to differentiate between SLE/LN and other rheumatologic conditions. The IgG2 antibodies against dsDNA and C1q showed higher sensitivity than IgGs in identifying SLE patients, while IgG2 antibodies against ENO1 and H2A were found to be valuable in discriminating between LN and SLE.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maurizio Bruschi, Andrea Petretto, Armando Cama, Marco Pavanello, Martina Bartolucci, Giovanni Morana, Luca Antonio Ramenghi, Maria Luisa Garre, Gian Marco Ghiggeri, Isabella Panfoli, Giovanni Candiano
Summary: Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in childhood, and biomarkers for residual disease, therapy response, and recurrence are needed. This study identified potential protein biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid that could distinguish between control and tumor groups, as well as differentiate among different types of brain tumors. Validation using ELISA showed promising clinical applications for these biomarkers.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Carlotta Pucci, Attilio Marino, Oezlem Sen, Daniele De Pasquale, Martina Bartolucci, Nerea Iturrioz-Rodrguez, Nicoletta Di Leo, Giuseppe De Vito, Doriana Debellis, Andrea Petretto, Gianni Ciofani
Summary: This study proposes an anticancer approach based on ultrasound-responsive drug-loaded organic piezoelectric nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can be remotely activated with ultrasound-based mechanical stimulations to induce drug release and to locally deliver anticancer electric cues. The combination of chemotherapy treatment with chronic piezoelectric stimulation shows promising results in reducing drug resistance and inhibiting the growth and migration of glioblastoma cells.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Puddu, Silvia Ravera, Isabella Panfoli, Nadia Bertola, Davide Maggi
Summary: In this study, we investigated the effect of hyperglycemic conditions on the expression and activation of MerTK in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Our findings demonstrated that high glucose reduced the expression and activation of MerTK, increased ADAM9 expression and sMer production. Overexpression of miR-126 improved phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments under high glucose conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabella Panfoli, Alfonso Esposito
Summary: COVID-19 has been proposed as an endothelial disease and polyphenols are being investigated as potential agents to prevent and treat it. Polyphenols can inhibit the activity of F1Fo-ATP synthase, including the ectopic F1Fo-ATP synthase expressed on the endothelial plasma membrane. This inhibition of polyphenols can help reduce oxidative stress caused by the electron transfer chain.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maurizio Bruschi, Xhuliana Kajana, Andrea Petretto, Martina Bartolucci, Marco Pavanello, Gian Marco Ghiggeri, Isabella Panfoli, Giovanni Candiano
Summary: This study analyzed the proteome of waste cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with medulloblastoma (MB) and controls, identifying two potential protein biomarkers that can distinguish between the two groups, guiding therapy and predicting recurrence.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Musso, Isabella Panfoli, Marcella Battaglini, Giorgia Brigati, Diego Minghetti, Chiara Andreato, Luca A. Ramenghi
Summary: Glycemic variability is common in preterm infants and can affect neurodevelopment. This study found that intermittent enteral feeding is better for glycemic control compared to continuous feeding. Optimizing nutritional management is crucial for the long-term health of preterm infants.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Isabella Panfoli
CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Galardi, Christina Stathopoulos, Marta Colletti, Chiara Lavarello, Ida Russo, Raffaele Cozza, Antonino Romanzo, Angel M. Carcaboso, Franco Locatelli, Andrea Petretto, Francis L. Munier, Angela Di Giannatale
Summary: This study identified potential protein biomarkers in the aqueous humor of retinoblastoma (RB) patients, which could be valuable for diagnosis and treatment of RB disease. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate the reliability and utility of these findings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sharanya Bola, Pallavi Subramanian, Daniela Calzia, Andreas Dahl, Isabella Panfoli, Richard H. W. Funk, Cora Roehlecke
Summary: We conducted a detailed analysis of cellular events in blue light stressed 661W cells that were subjected to direct current electric field (EF) stimulation. Our findings revealed that EF stimulation can protect cells from blue light-induced stress through various defense mechanisms, including increased mitochondrial activity, elevated mitochondrial potential, increased superoxide levels, and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways. Our genetic screen results suggest that UPR pathway can be a potential therapeutic target for alleviating blue light-induced stress through EF stimulation. Hence, our study is significant for the clinical application of EF stimulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Ravera, Gabriele Tancreda, Luigi Vezzulli, Anna Maria Schito, Isabella Panfoli
Summary: Polyphenols such as cisiliol and quercetin have been found to inhibit ATP synthase and decrease intracellular ATP levels in methicillin-resistant bacteria. These compounds may serve as potential additions to antibiotics due to their ability to target ATP synthase, against which bacteria cannot develop resistance.
Article
Cell Biology
Silvia Ravera, Maria Grazia Signorello, Isabella Panfoli
Summary: Platelets are cellular elements that play important roles in hemostasis, inflammation, thrombotic events, and human diseases. Their activation is linked to their metabolism, and they possess considerable metabolic flexibility. Although their roles in hemostasis and inflammation are known, there is limited understanding of their metabolism in terms of substrate preference. Platelet activation triggers an increase in oxidative metabolism to meet energy requirements, and they also possess extra-mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding the link between platelet activation and metabolic changes is crucial for improving human health.
Article
Cell Biology
Silvia Ravera, Nadia Bertola, Alessandra Puddu, Silvia Bruno, Davide Maggi, Isabella Panfoli
Summary: Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is associated with diseases characterized by retinal degeneration, and it has been suggested that outer retinal neurons also contribute to the damage. This study examines the potential crosstalk between RPE and photoreceptors in the oxidative damage of RPE.
Article
Cell Biology
Martina Morini, Federica Raggi, Martina Bartolucci, Andrea Petretto, Martina Ardito, Chiara Rossi, Daniela Segalerba, Alberto Garaventa, Alessandra Eva, Davide Cangelosi, Maria Carla Bosco
Summary: This study characterizes the specifically expressed exosome proteins in neuroblastoma (NB) patients for the first time, which are associated with tumor phenotype and disease stage. Some of these proteins show deregulated expression in NB patients and are mainly involved in tumor-associated pathways. Additionally, certain proteins can differentiate between high-risk and low-risk NB patients with high accuracy.