Crosstalk between exosomes and autophagy in spinal cord injury: fresh positive target for therapeutic application

Cell and Tissue Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-022-03699-6 · Published: November 16, 2022

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to functional disorders and economic burden. Exosomes and autophagy are crucial in cellular homeostasis post-SCI. This review explores their interaction at the molecular level, offering insights for early SCI therapy. Exosomes are nano-sized carriers that transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, impacting cell functions. Autophagy degrades cytoplasmic components via lysosomes, playing a key role in cellular balance after SCI. The coordination between exosomes and autophagy is gaining attention for its potential in early spinal cord injury treatment. Understanding their interaction may lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 5, Review

Key Findings

1
Exosomes and autophagy play critical roles in cellular homeostasis following spinal cord injury.
2
Autophagy-related molecules are involved in the biogenesis of exosomes.
3
Exosome-delivered cargo exerts anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and axon-protective roles in SCI by regulating autophagy.

Research Summary

This review discusses the interaction between autophagy and exosomes from the perspective of molecular mechanisms, which might provide novel insights for the early therapeutic application of spinal cord injury. Both exosomes and autophagy pathways play anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and axonal protection roles after SCI. Autophagy and exosome secretion are in stable equilibrium under normal physiological conditions. However, exosome formation and release are enhanced in the presence of impaired autophagy as an alternative approach to reduce cellular stress and maintain cellular homeostasis.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

The crosstalk between exosomes and autophagy presents a fresh positive target for therapeutic application in spinal cord injury.

Drug Development

Engineering exosomes to regulate autophagy in various cells or using exosomes with specific components to repair autophagy-induced damage could be a new therapeutic avenue.

Personalized Medicine

Understanding the molecular sharing mechanism between autophagy and exosomes may lead to tailored treatments based on individual patient profiles and injury characteristics.

Study Limitations

1
The exact molecular mechanism of crosstalk between autophagy and exosomes remains unclear and needs further exploration.
2
Safety and dosage of exosome implantation still require clear answers.
3
Limited studies on the crosstalk between exosomes and autophagy in SCI

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