Exosomes and extracellular vesicles for neurodegenerative diseases
Dutta S., Hornung S.
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by progressive neuronal degeneration leading to severe cognitive and motor impairments. Traditional diagnostic methods are limited by cost, sensitivity, accessibility, and patient discomfort, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. Recent research has increasingly focused on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in neurodegenerative diseases. EVs, secreted by all cell types, are crucial for cellular communication. They transfer proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological processes. This chapter explores the biogenesis and functions of brain-derived EVs, their involvement in the central nervous system (CNS) microenvironment during neurodegeneration, and their contribution to disease progression and pathology. The unique molecular signatures of EVs from different brain cell types are examined to understand their specific roles and interactions in neurodegenerative contexts. Additionally, the chapter highlights the therapeutic potential of EVs, discussing current research and clinical trials investigating their use as biomarkers for early diagnosis and as vehicles for delivering therapeutic agents. Techniques for isolating, characterizing, and analyzing brain-originating EVs and their biomarkers are thoroughly discussed, providing insights into technological advancements and methodological challenges in the field. Finally, the chapter addresses challenges and future directions, emphasizing the need for standardization in EV research, regulatory considerations, and the potential for EVs in personalized medicine. This comprehensive overview underscores the current state and future prospects of EV-based diagnostics and therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases.