Cellular reprogramming via extracellular vesicles and exosomes (EV-mediated reprogramming)

Cellular reprogramming via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes is a biological process where specialized membrane-bound vesicles transfer bioactive molecules—such as transcription factors, mRNAs, microRNAs, and proteins—from a donor cell to a recipient cell to alter its physiological state or identity (Source: Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2020). This mechanism plays a crucial role in natural processes like stem cell niche maintenance and tissue regeneration by facilitating the horizontal transfer of genetic information (Source: Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2021). In pathological conditions, particularly cancer, tumor-derived exosomes reprogram healthy stromal cells to form a pre-metastatic niche, promoting tumor growth and immune evasion (Source: Cancer Cell, 2018). From a therapeutic perspective, EVs are being engineered as delivery vehicles to induce targeted cellular reprogramming for treating diseases like myocardial infarction and neurodegeneration (Source: Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2021). Unlike traditional cell-based therapies, EV-mediated reprogramming offers a cell-free approach that reduces risks of tumorigenicity and immunogenicity (Source: Journal of Controlled Release, 2020). However, the inherent heterogeneity of EV populations and the technical difficulties in standardized large-scale production remain significant hurdles for clinical translation (Source: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2019). Current drug development efforts focus on loading EVs with specific therapeutic payloads, such as siRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 components, to achieve precise phenotypic changes in target tissues (Source: Molecular Therapy, 2022). Safety concerns include potential off-target effects and the risk of unintended systemic reprogramming if the EVs are not accurately targeted (Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021).

Other names

Exosome-mediated reprogrammingExtracellular vesicle-mediated cell fate conversionEV-induced phenotypic switchingExosome-mediated phenotypic modulation

Horizontal transfer of bioactive cargo including nucleic acids (miRNA, mRNA, lncRNA), proteins (transcription factors, enzymes), and lipids to recipient cells, resulting in the modulation of gene expression, epigenetic states, and intracellular signaling pathways to alter cell fate or function.