Multiple cellular and molecular pathways via paracrine secretion and exosomes

Multiple cellular and molecular pathways via paracrine secretion and exosomes refers to a complex system of intercellular communication rather than a single molecular target. This mechanism involves the release of soluble signaling molecules and membrane-bound extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, which transport a diverse cargo of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to neighboring or distant cells (Kalluri & LeBleu, 2020, Science). These pathways are fundamental to physiological processes like tissue repair and immune regulation, but they are also hijacked in diseases such as cancer to facilitate pre-metastatic niche formation and drug resistance (Whiteside, 2016, AAPS J). In a therapeutic context, this secretome is the primary driver of the efficacy seen in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies, where the cells act as bioreactors to modulate the local environment (Gnecchi et al., 2016, Circ Res). Because this term encompasses a broad array of signaling events and diverse molecular components, it is classified as a biological process or mechanism of action rather than a discrete therapeutic target.

Other names

Paracrine signalingExosome-mediated communicationExtracellular vesicle signalingSecretome-mediated pathwaysIntercellular communication pathways

Modulation of recipient cell behavior through the delivery of bioactive molecules including proteins, mRNA, and microRNA via extracellular vesicles or direct secretion into the interstitial space.