bims-exocan 2025-04-06 papers

Issue of 2025–04–06
four papers selected by
Muhammad Rizwan, COMSATS University

Arch Pharm (Weinheim). 2025 Apr;358(4): e202400940

Exosomal lncRNAs in the Tumor Angiogenesis: As Therapeutic Targets in Cancer Treatment.

Chou-Yi Hsu, Farag M A Altalbawy, Enwa Felix Oghenemaro, Subasini Uthirapathy, Muktesh Chandra, Deepak Nathiya, Parjinder Kaur, M Ravi Kumar, Abed J Kadhim, Muthena Kariem.

Exosomes, as mediators of intercellular communication, can be released from different types of cells and regulate the function of the target cell by transferring cargo, such as proteins, DNA, and RNA. Recent investigations have revealed a preponderance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a subclass of noncoding RNAs, within exosomes, where they exhibit notable stability and are implicated in the development and progression of neoplastic processes, such as tumor angiogenesis. Angiogenesis, as a hallmark of cancer, provides diffusible nutrients and oxygen to the distant cells and guarantees tumorigenesis and metastasis. Exosomal lncRNAs, including MALAT1, OIP5-AS1, PART1, SNHG family, FAM225A, ATB, RAMP2-AS1, UCA1, TRPM2-AS, FGD5-AS1, and LINC0016, could modulate tumor angiogenesis by activating signaling cascades and mediators within the target cells, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Regulation of tumor angiogenesis through modulation of exosomal lncRNAs could be a reliable strategy for cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the characteristics and biogenesis of exosomes and lncRNAs and how exosomal lncRNAs are involved in various processes of tumorigenesis. Our primary focus is on exosomal lncRNAs, their impact on tumor angiogenesis, and their potential as novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for various cancers.

Keywords: angiogenesis; exosome; long noncoding RNAs; therapeutic target; tumor

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.202400940

Front Pharmacol. 2025 ;16 1485661

Functional tumor-derived exosomes in NSCLC progression and clinical implications.

Yuxin Gao, Jun Xie, Zhenya Yang, Mengxi Li, Hongfan Yuan, Rui Li.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The high mortality rate is primarily driven by delayed diagnosis, rapid metastasis, and frequent recurrence. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) have emerged as critical mediators in NSCLC progression, offering valuable insights into the tumor microenvironment. Exosomes are small membrane vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and transport bioactive molecules, including proteins, RNAs, and DNAs, thereby reflecting the genetic complexity of tumors. These exosomes play a key role in promoting tumor metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), neovascularization, drug resistance, and immune evasion, all of which are pivotal in the development of NSCLC. This review explores the diverse roles of TEXs in NSCLC progression, focusing on their involvement in pre-metastatic niche formation, tissue metastasis, and immune modulation. Specifically, we discuss the roles of exosome-associated RNAs and proteins in NSCLC, and their contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, we explore the potential of TEXs as biomarkers for NSCLC, emphasizing their application in diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Keywords: NSCLC; exosomes; immune regulation; tumor drug resistance; tumor progression and metastasis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1485661

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2025 Mar 26. pii: S0006-291X(25)00421-8. [Epub ahead of print]759 151707

Isolation, characterization and therapeutic potentials of exosomes in lung cancer: Opportunities and challenges.

Kiramat Ali Shah, Tariq Ali, Yaseen Hussain, Amos Dormocara, Bengang You, Jing-Hao Cui.

Lung cancer (LC) signifies the primary cause of cancer-related mortality, representing 24 % of all cancer fatalities. LC is intricate and necessitates innovative approaches for early detection, precise diagnosis, and tailored treatment. Exosomes (EXOs), a subclass of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are integral to LC advancement, intercellular communication, tumor spread, and resistance to anticancer therapies. EXOs represent a viable drug delivery strategy owing to their distinctive biological characteristics, such as natural origin, biocompatibility, stability in blood circulation, minimal immunogenicity, and potential for modification. They can function as vehicles for targeted pharmaceuticals and facilitate the advancement of targeted therapeutics. EXOs are pivotal in the metastatic cascade, facilitating communication between cancer cells and augmenting their invasive capacity. Nonetheless, obstacles such as enhancing cargo loading efficiency, addressing homogeneity concerns during preparation, and facilitating large-scale clinical translation persist. Interdisciplinary collaboration in research is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of EXOs drug delivery systems. This review explores the role of EXOs in LC, their potential as therapeutic agents, and challenges in their development, aiming to advance targeted treatments. Future research should concentrate on engineering optimization and developing innovative EXOs to improve flexibility and effectiveness in clinical applications.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Exosomes; Lung cancer; Targeted therapy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151707

Pathol Res Pract. 2025 Mar 29. pii: S0344-0338(25)00142-6. [Epub ahead of print]269 155950

Exosomes in melanoma: Future potential for clinical theranostics.

Asmit Das, Swarup Sonar, Rajib Dhar, Vetriselvan Subramaniyan.

Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, presents significant therapeutic challenges due to its resistance to conventional treatments and propensity for metastasis. Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles secreted by a wide variety of cells, have emerged as promising tools for developing novel melanoma therapies. Exosome-based therapeutic approaches offer several advantages, including inherent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and the ability to cross biological barriers. This review explores the therapeutic potential of exosomes in melanoma treatment, focusing on their multifaceted roles in modulating tumor cell behavior, enhancing anti-tumor immune responses, and serving as targeted drug delivery vehicles. We discuss various strategies employed to engineer exosomes for enhanced therapeutic efficacy, including loading them with chemotherapeutic agents, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and immunomodulatory molecules. Additionally, we highlight the potential of exosomes derived from diverse sources to enhance anti-cancer effects. Furthermore, we address the challenges and future directions in translating exosome-based therapies from bench to bedside, emphasizing the need for standardized isolation and manufacturing protocols, as well as rigorous preclinical and clinical evaluations to unlock the full therapeutic potential of exosomes in the fight against melanoma.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Clinical trial; Melanoma; Metastasis; Therapeutic

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prp.2025.155950