{"title":"Small extracellular vesicles from deferoxamine-primed stem cells promote angiogenesis and tissue integration.","authors":"Jingyi Sang, Yuqing Dong, Xiaoyue Zhang, Xiaojing Yuan, Yike Gao, Rui Song, Xiya Liu, Linxue Zhang, Zuoying Yuan, Yuming Zhao","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.48","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.48","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> We investigated whether the secretome, particularly small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), obtained from deferoxamine (DFO)-pretreated stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), could promote angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and support vascularized tissue integration under preliminary ectopic implantation conditions. <b>Methods:</b> SHED were treated with DFO (2.5, 5, 10 μM), and RNA sequencing was performed to analyze gene expression changes in DFO-treated SHED. The effects of the DFO-pretreated SHED secretome and the isolated sEVs (DFO-sEVs) on HUVEC migration were evaluated. The angiogenic capacity was assessed using wound healing, Transwell migration, and tube formation assays. DFO-sEVs were also tested for their ability to regulate macrophage polarization using immunofluorescence staining. Finally, DFO-sEVs were encapsulated in hydrogels and subcutaneously implanted into Sprague-Dawley rats, and their pro-angiogenic capacity <i>in vivo</i> was assessed <i>via</i> histological staining. <b>Results:</b> RNA-seq analysis indicated that DFO pretreatment modulated SHED pathways related to hypoxia response, cell adhesion, and inflammation. The secretome from SHED pretreated with 5 μM DFO significantly promoted HUVEC migration and tube formation. DFO-sEVs, particularly from the 5 μM DFO group, demonstrated superior pro-angiogenic effects compared to sEVs from untreated SHED both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. Furthermore, DFO-sEVs drove macrophages to adopt an M2-like reparative polarization. <b>Conclusion:</b> DFO pretreatment functionally potentiates the pro-angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties of SHED-derived sEVs. The findings suggest that DFO-sEVs may provide a bioactive component for promoting angiogenesis and facilitating tissue integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1428-1444"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673346/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149217993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lu Xia, Tingmao Xue, Yining Xu, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Xiaowen Mao
{"title":"Nidogen 1-enriched extracellular vesicles drive HCC progression by inducing mregDC differentiation and Treg infiltration.","authors":"Lu Xia, Tingmao Xue, Yining Xu, Judy Wai Ping Yam, Xiaowen Mao","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.03","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.03","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> Nidogen 1 (NID1) is a secreted pro-tumorigenic protein. While extracellular vesicle (EV)-NID1 is known to accelerate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, its role in reshaping the HCC immune microenvironment remains undefined. This study investigated how EV-NID1 modulates dendritic cells (DCs) to establish an immunosuppressive niche that drives liver cancer growth. <b>Methods:</b> The TIMER3.0 database was used to assess the correlations of NID1 with DCs and regulatory T cells (Tregs). A Transwell co-culture system using bone marrow-derived DCs was employed to evaluate the paracrine effects of HCC cells. EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation, and their identity and purity were verified. Orthotopic and subcutaneous HCC mouse models were established to assess immune cell infiltration <i>in vivo</i>. DC adoptive transfer and Treg depletion assays were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanism. <b>Results:</b> High NID1 expression in HCC was associated with increased infiltration of myeloid DCs and Tregs, and their co-occurrence predicted poor patient survival. <i>In vitro</i>, EV-NID1 induced DC maturation and promoted their polarization toward mature DCs enriched in immunoregulatory molecules (mregDC), accompanied by elevated secretion of C-C chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17). These polarized DCs promoted CD4<sup>+</sup> T cell proliferation and FOXP3<sup>+</sup> Treg formation. <i>In vivo</i>, NID1-high tumors exhibited accelerated growth and increased infiltration of mregDCs and Tregs in tumors, lymph nodes, and spleens. NID1 knockdown reduced tumor growth, whereas adoptive transfer of EV-NID1-pulsed DCs partially rescued tumor progression. Furthermore, Treg depletion markedly suppressed the growth of NID1-high tumors. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study suggests that NID1-enriched EVs derived from HCC promote tumor progression by inducing a regulatory phenotype in DCs and the expansion of Tregs.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1411-1427"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673350/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149218038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rose-derived extracellular vesicle-like particles enable anti-melanogenesis by suppressing the key melanogenic pathway in skin cells.","authors":"Sirui Zhou, Huijing Li, Ying Yang, Weiying Zeng, Dongxiao Li, Tianxin Qiu, Weiguo Lu, Kewei Zhao","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.55","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.55","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> Abnormal skin pigmentation is not merely a common cosmetic concern but is also associated with pigmentation disorders and an elevated risk of malignant lesions such as melanoma. To overcome the adverse effects of existing antimelanogenic agents, we developed rose-derived extracellular vesicle-like particles (RS-EVLP) as a novel and biocompatible melanogenesis inhibitor. <b>Methods:</b> RS-EVLP were isolated from roses and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. Their anti-melanogenic effects were evaluated in B16 cells via melanin content and tyrosinase activity assays. Molecular mechanisms were investigated using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. <i>In vivo</i> efficacy was assessed in a zebrafish model, followed by a clinical trial in human volunteers. <b>Results:</b> RS-EVLP exhibited a bilayer nanostructure (50-150 nm) and contained natural anti-melanogenic components, including luteolin and procyanidin B3. They showed high binding affinity to microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1). In B16 cells, RS-EVLP dose-dependently reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity by downregulating MITF and the transcription of tyrosinase (TYR)/TRP-1/TRP-2 enzyme system. In zebrafish, RS-EVLP reduced melanin spot area by 24% ± 17.5%. Clinical studies confirmed that a 5% RS-EVLP formulation progressively enhanced skin brightness as skin penetration efficiency increased. <b>Conclusion:</b> RS-EVLP overcomes the limitations in bioavailability and toxicity associated with traditional synthetic whitening agents, offering a promising natural alternative for developing whitening cosmeceuticals.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1388-1410"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673352/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149218004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaogang Zhang, Sarita Sehra, Cynthia Timmers, Tony Chadderton, Matthew Stubbs, Xiaowei Xu
{"title":"Proteomic profiling of high purity extracellular vesicle subtypes from megakaryoblastic leukemia cells provides insights into myeloproliferative neoplasm biology.","authors":"Xiaogang Zhang, Sarita Sehra, Cynthia Timmers, Tony Chadderton, Matthew Stubbs, Xiaowei Xu","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.38","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.38","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), but the characteristics of distinct EV subtypes remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize the molecular heterogeneity of MEG-01-derived large EVs (lEVs) and small EVs (sEVs). <b>Methods:</b> lEVs and sEVs were isolated from MEG-01 cell culture medium by differential centrifugation followed by density gradient ultracentrifugation. EVs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, immunoblotting, and on-bead flow cytometry. Quantitative proteomic analysis was performed to compare the protein cargo of lEVs and sEVs, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. <b>Results:</b> Density gradient purification yielded high purity of lEV and sEV with distinct size, morphologies, and protein compositions. On-bead flow cytometry enabled efficient profiling of EV surface markers. Proteomic analysis revealed a shared core proteome between lEVs and sEVs, together with subtype specific protein signatures. Enrichment analyses indicated distinct molecular characteristics of the two EV populations, with sEVs showing enrichment of proteins associated with RNA-related processes and vesicle-mediated transport, whereas lEVs were enriched in proteins related to cytoskeletal organization and metabolism. <b>Conclusion:</b> MEG-01 derived lEVs and sEVs comprise molecularly distinct subpopulations with shared and subtype specific protein cargo. The workflow established in this study provides a robust platform for high purity EV isolation and characterization, and offers insights into MEG-01 EV heterogeneity relevant to megakaryocyte biology and MPN research.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1369-1387"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149218003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Engineered extracellular vesicles: pharmacological barriers, engineering strategies, and translational opportunities.","authors":"Jiao Xu, Zhi Li, Da Liu, Libo Zhao, Yongqing Li","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.85","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.85","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extracellular vesicle (EV) therapeutics are progressing from broad proof-of-concept studies toward product-specific engineering and clinically defined applications. Native EVs offer biological membrane functions and the capacity to transport diverse molecular cargoes, but their therapeutic performance is limited by low cargo stoichiometry, rapid mononuclear phagocyte system clearance, clearance-dominated biodistribution, and inefficient functional cargo release. This Review examines how EV engineering strategies are used to address these barriers. We compare approaches for cargo loading, circulation control, tissue- and cell-selective targeting, and intracellular delivery, while considering the immunogenicity and manufacturing risks introduced by engineering. We also assess recent preclinical and clinical progress, including programs that were paused or discontinued, and discuss the practical constraints of cost, supply chain, and cold-chain distribution. Current evidence suggests that engineered EVs are unlikely to replace established lipid nanoparticles or viral vectors across all applications. Their near-term value is more likely to arise in localized delivery, immune-microenvironment modulation, complex cargo delivery, and defined cell-targeting settings in which biological membrane functions provide a measurable advantage.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1345-1368"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149217933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marco G Alves, Ruben J Moreira, Ana Gabriela Henriques, Rita Ferreira, Pedro F Oliveira
{"title":"Extracellular vesicles coordinate mitochondrial trafficking between Leydig cells and testicular macrophages to sustain testosterone production.","authors":"Marco G Alves, Ruben J Moreira, Ana Gabriela Henriques, Rita Ferreira, Pedro F Oliveira","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.61","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.61","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1331-1335"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149217932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Estefanía Lozano-Andrés, Ye Tian, Sten F W M Libregts, An Hendrix, Xiaomei Yan, Ger J A Arkesteijn, Marca H M Wauben
{"title":"Characterization of nanoparticles and fluorescent recombinant extracellular vesicles using three different generations of high-sensitivity flow cytometers.","authors":"Estefanía Lozano-Andrés, Ye Tian, Sten F W M Libregts, An Hendrix, Xiaomei Yan, Ger J A Arkesteijn, Marca H M Wauben","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.33","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.33","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> High-sensitivity flow cytometry (FC) allows multiparametric analysis of nanoparticles (NPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs). With new instruments available, studies that evaluate their performance using the same materials in a controlled environment are required. Here, we performed a comparative study to investigate the capabilities of three flow cytometers, the NanoFCM (NF), BD Influx (IF) and CytoFLEX LX (CF). <b>Methods:</b> Firstly, we analyzed a mixed population of silica NPs (SiNPs, 68, 91, 113 and 155 nm) by using light-scatter-based detection thresholds [side scatter (SSC), forward scatter (FSC), violet side scatter (VSSC)] across a concentration range from 10<sup>6</sup> to 10<sup>9</sup> particles/mL. Next, we analyzed fluorescent recombinant EVs (rEVs) by comparing light-scatter-based thresholding (488 nm SSC available for all platforms), the combination of SSC thresholding with a fluorescent gate, and fluorescent thresholding. <b>Results:</b> Upon qualitative and quantitative analysis, we observed that instruments differed in sensitivity, the NF could detect 68 nm SiNPs, while both IF and CF were able to detect down to 91 nm SiNPs when using a scatter-based threshold, which was improved by using FSC and VSSC compared to SSC, respectively. We show that the NF required a higher sample concentration to ensure optimal detection, while IF and CF benefited from more diluted samples. Next, we defined a single particle detection range measuring fluorescent rEV and demonstrated that fluorescence-based detection improved the detection of particles of interest due to lower background interference. <b>Conclusion:</b> We here provide the strengths and limitations for each platform regarding the analysis of differently sized NPs at different sample concentrations.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1314-1330"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678172/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dynamic profiles and subpopulation characteristics of extracellular vesicles in patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement.","authors":"Runzhang Liang, Jiaxiong Wu, Naijimuding Abudurexiti, Jing Ling, Zirui Peng, Canxin Wang, Jinxin Li, Yong Zhang, Haiyun Yuan, Shusheng Wen","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.24","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) is a crucial intervention for severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR). Extracellular vesicle (EV) surface proteins reflect cardiovascular pathology. This study employed a proximity barcoding assay (PBA) to dynamically monitor EV protein profiles during TPVR. <b>Methods:</b> In this study, 40 biological plasma samples were analyzed in triplicate, including 10 from healthy controls (<i>N</i> group) and 30 from TPVR patients across three time points: preoperative (T1 group), 1 day postoperative (T2 group), and 1 week postoperative (T3 group). We performed combinatorial and functional analyses of membrane proteins across different groups and evaluated their predictive performance. EV subpopulations were clustered and characterized. <b>Results:</b> Compared with the <i>N</i> group, patients in the T1 group exhibited significantly downregulated expression of DSCAML1, ALCAM, and LAG3 proteins, while CD8A, NECTIN1, and LGR5 were significantly upregulated (<i>P</i> < 0.001; AUC: 0.94-1.00). Postoperatively, the expression of ALCAM and LAG3 rapidly rebounded. The ALCAM&CD36&DSCAML1&PECAM1 combination was significantly elevated in the control group, whereas CD36&CD8A&DSCAML1&TACSTD2 was reduced. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated associations with response to stress, side of membrane, and protein binding pathways. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed enrichment in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) signaling pathway. Subpopulation analysis revealed that Cluster 1 was significantly elevated, whereas Cluster 2 was markedly decreased in the disease group. Additionally, Cluster 4 dominated in the T3 group. Furthermore, CD8A is most abundant in Cluster 1, while DSCAML1 dominates in Clusters 2 and 4. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study provides the first dynamic profiles and subpopulation characteristics of plasma EVs in patients undergoing TPVR, establishing a molecular atlas of perioperative right ventricular remodeling.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1297-1313"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mitochondrial transfer in solid tumors: dual roles in tumor progression and therapeutic targeting.","authors":"Lirui Huang, Zeru Li, Cheng Qin, Bangbo Zhao, Tianyu Li, Yutong Zhao, Haoyu Shi, Xiangyu Zhang, Yiping Xie, Yutong Yan, Weibin Wang","doi":"10.20517/evcna.2026.68","DOIUrl":"10.20517/evcna.2026.68","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Solid tumors account for the majority of cancer cases, and their incidence continues to increase. A solid tumor is not an isolated mass but interacts dynamically with cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria, which are essential for energy production and the regulation of apoptosis, play a critical role in cellular function and may serve as therapeutic targets. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that mitochondria can be transferred between cells via extracellular vesicles, tunneling nanotubes, gap junctions, and cell fusion. This process across various cell types, including stromal cells, immune cells, and cancer cells, and is enhanced under stress conditions, such as hypoxia and chemotherapy. Under these conditions, mitochondrial transfer enables tumor cells to acquire functional mitochondria from neighboring cells, thereby enhancing their metabolic plasticity and survival capacity. Mitochondrial transfer thus represents a critical adaptive mechanism that supports tumor progression. Targeting this dynamic form of intercellular communication offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome tumor metabolic plasticity, immunosuppression, and resistance to therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":520322,"journal":{"name":"Extracellular vesicles and circulating nucleic acids","volume":"7 3","pages":"1276-1296"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13673254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149218028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}