Exosomes in atherosclerosis: performers, bystanders, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.

Abstract

Exosomes are nanosized lipid vesicles originating from the endosomal system that carry many macromolecules from their parental cells and play important roles in intercellular communication. The functions and underlying mechanisms of exosomes in atherosclerosis have recently been intensively studied. In this review, we briefly introduce exosome biology and then focus on advances in the roles of exosomes in atherosclerosis, specifically exosomal changes associated with atherosclerosis, their cellular origins and potential functional cargos, and their detailed impacts on recipient cells. We also discuss the potential of exosomes as biomarkers and drug carriers for managing atherosclerosis.

• Authors: Chen Wang, Zhelong Li, Yunnan Liu, Lijun Yuan
• Journal: Theranostics (Theranostics) Vol. 11 Issue 8 Pg. 3996-4010 ( 2021) ISSN: 1838-7640 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 33664877 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: © The author(s).

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Drug Carriers
• MicroRNAs

Topics

• Atherosclerosis (etiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Biomarkers (metabolism)
• Blood Platelets (physiology)
• Diabetes Mellitus (etiology)
• Drug Carriers
• Exosomes (genetics, physiology)
• Humans
• Lipid Metabolism
• Macrophages (physiology)
• MicroRNAs (genetics)
• Models, Cardiovascular
• Molecular Targeted Therapy
• Obesity (etiology)
• Precision Medicine
• Risk Factors