bims-migras 2025-06-01 papers

Issue of 2025–06–01
five papers selected by
Cliff Dominy

Mol Biol Rep. 2025 May 28. 52(1): 509

Migrasome: a novel insight into unraveling physiological and pathological function.

Yu Ye, Jun Zhang, Yue Liu, Xiaochun Sun.

The migrasome, a recently discovered organelle formed during cell migration, is a membrane-bound vesicular structure containing numerous smaller intracavitary vesicles and cellular contents. It is generated at the tips and intersections of retraction fibers (RFs). Upon the rupture of RFs, migrasomes can either be engulfed by surrounding cells or undergo lysis to release their contents into the extracellular microenvironment. The process through which cells release their contents via migrasomes is termed migracytosis. Migrasomes play crucial roles in intercellular signaling, cellular homeostasis maintenance, and intercellular material transport. This article provides a comprehensive review of the discovery, biogenesis, isolation and characterization, biological functions of migrasomes, as well as their roles in the occurrence, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of clinical diseases. Furthermore, this paper proposes novel hypotheses and future directions regarding the current research challenges of migrasomes and their potential clinical applications, which may facilitate future clinical diagnosis and treatment involving migrasomes.

Keywords: Cell migration; Disease progression; Migrasomes; Organelle

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-025-10615-y

Front Immunol. 2025 ;16 1592314

Migrasomes: key players in immune regulation and promising medical applications.

Shuping Li, Yanjie Zhou, Tingting Hu, Mei Li, Yao Luo, Jie Chen.

Migrasomes are newly discovered extracellular organelles released by migrating cells, such as immune cells, tumor cells, and other special functional cells like podocytes and embryonic cells. They contain a diverse array of constituents, including proteins, lipids, and RNA which can be released to the designated location to activate surrounding cells, thereby facilitating intercellular communication and signal transduction. Since then, our understanding of the mechanism and function of the migrasomes has expanded exponentially, with recent evidence indicating they are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in immune regulation. Furthermore, methods and techniques for extracting, detecting, and characterizing migrasomes are constantly advancing. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of migrasomes and their key roles in modulating immune responses, as well as the prospective challenges surrounding their clinical application, aiming to provide novel insights into the emerging organelles.

Keywords: biogenesis; clinical application; immune regulation; intercellular communication; migrasomes

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1592314

Cell Biosci. 2025 May 28. 15(1): 70

Shedding light on the cell biology and diverse physiological functions of the migrasome.

Yuxing Huang, Yi Huang, Jian Gao.

The migrasome, an organelle that forms behind migrating cells, is connected to the cell body by a retraction fiber. Once released from the retraction fiber, the migrasome transforms into an extracellular vesicle and plays important roles in cell communication, development, angiogenesis, and disease. To date, the biogenesis, regulation of formation, cargo transportation, and physiological functions of migrasomes remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying migrasome formation and regulation, describe the evidence suggesting that migrasomes serve various physiological functions, compare the differences between migrasomes and other extracellular vesicles, emphasize the limitations in studying migrasomes, and discuss the potential of migrasomes in disease diagnosis and treatment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-025-01417-7

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 May 19. pii: 4835. [Epub ahead of print]26(10):

Extracellular Vesicle-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy.

Jiahao Wu, Zhesi Jin, Tingyu Fu, Yu Qian, Xinyue Bian, Xu Zhang, Jiahui Zhang.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed particles secreted by cells and ubiquitously present in various biofluids. They not only mediate intercellular communication but also serve as promising drug carriers that are capable of delivering therapeutic agents to target cells through their inherent physicochemical properties. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in EV isolation techniques and innovative drug-loading strategies. Furthermore, we emphasized the distinct advantages and therapeutic applications of EVs derived from different cellular sources in cancer treatment. Finally, we critically evaluated the ongoing clinical trials utilizing EVs for drug delivery and systematically assessed both the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing EV-based drug delivery systems in cancer therapy.

Keywords: biotherapy; cancer therapy; drug delivery; extracellular vesicles

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104835

Pharmacol Res. 2025 May 24. pii: S1043-6618(25)00225-7. [Epub ahead of print] 107800

Extracellular vesicles as a promising platform of precision medicine in liver cancer.

Keyang Xu, Qibiao Wu, Zhao Lingyun, Romario Nguyen, Fatema Safri, William Yang, Yikun Xu, Yun Ye, Hiu Yee Kwan, Qiang Wang, Xiuming Liang, Muhammad J A Shiddiky, Majid E Warkiani, Jacob George, Jianfeng Bao, Liang Qiao.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural carriers of biological information and play pivotal roles in intercellular communication. EVs are biocompatible, have low immunogenicity, and are capable of traversing biological barriers, making them ideal tools for disease diagnosis and therapy. Despite their promising prospects, the full realization of EVs potential faces several challenges. This article aims to comprehensively review the biological and molecular features of EVs, their applications in liver cancer and possible underlying mechanisms, and the critical challenges affecting the clinical translation of EVs-based therapies in liver cancer.

Keywords: Extracellular vesicles (EVs); liver cancer; organoids; standardization; therapeutic tools

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107800