New insight into isolation, identification techniques and medical applications of exosomes

J Control Release. 2019 Aug 28:308:119-129. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.07.021. Epub 2019 Jul 17.

Abstract

Exosomes, which are nano-vesicles produced by most cell types, play an irreplaceable role in cell-cell communication. They are extracellular small vesicles that can delivery various cargos of DNA, RNAs, proteins, and lipids. Because exosomes have different secretory components under physiological conditions and pathological conditions, it has been extensively studied in the field of diseases as a therapeutic target, as a drug/gene delivery vector and as a novel cancer marker. Despite the great development in recent decades, there are still many obstacles to be overcome, for example, the separation method is not standardized with low yield and poor stability, which limit its medical application. This review mainly summarizes the main progresses of isolation and identification techniques, diversity function and medical application of exosomes in recent years.

Keywords: Cancer marker; Characterization; Drug/gene delivery vector; Exosomes; Isolation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cell Communication / physiology
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor