What is it about?
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the damage to the spinal cord causing paralysis below the injury site causing compromised patient life quality. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles released during physiological or pathological processes. They present a promising avenue for therapeutic drug delivery due to their tissue specificity and biocompatibility, offering enhanced efficacy with reduced accumulation-based toxicity. In SCI, exosomes target inflammation, apoptosis, microglial polarization, and autophagy, contributing to therapeutic interventions. This article comprehensively explores the pathophysiology of SCI, diverse exosome synthesis processes, their limitations and challenges to overcome, and the potential of exosomes from various cellular sources in SCI treatment.
Featured Image
Photo by Joyce Hankins on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Exosomes play a pivotal role in spinal cord injury (SCI) due to their ability to mediate intercellular communication and facilitate tissue repair processes. These small extracellular vesicles are secreted by various cell types, including stem cells and immune cells, and contain a cargo of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that can modulate cellular responses. In the context of SCI, exosomes have shown promising therapeutic potential by promoting neuroprotection, reducing inflammation, enhancing tissue regeneration, and facilitating axonal growth and remyelination. Their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver therapeutic payloads directly to the injured spinal cord further underscores their importance as potential candidates for novel SCI treatments.
Perspectives
From an author's perspective, exploring the role of exosomes in spinal cord injury presents a captivating journey into the realm of regenerative medicine and neurobiology. Exosomes, small vesicles secreted by cells, have emerged as promising therapeutic agents due to their ability to carry bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which can modulate cellular processes. In the context of spinal cord injury, understanding how exosomes interact with injured tissue, promote neuronal regeneration, and mitigate inflammatory responses offers profound insights into potential treatment avenues. The author delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying exosome-mediated repair, highlighting both the challenges and the exciting possibilities for harnessing these tiny vesicles to combat the devastating effects of spinal cord injury and improve patient outcomes.
Mr Lahanya Guha
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: From hope to healing: Exploring the therapeutic potential of exosomes in spinal cord injury, Extracellular Vesicle, June 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.vesic.2024.100044.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
