Scientists have unveiled biological pathways that deliver an answer on how tiny cell bubbles (extracellular vesicles) released by cells can impose beneficial or detrimental effects on health.
Study on roundworms sheds light on how tiny cell bubbles promote health through tissue repair and cause illness by carrying disease indicators for cancer or other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from Rutgers State University of New Jersey in collaboration with scientists from Princeton University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and University of Oxford, found that 10 percent of all 335 recognized genes in the roundworm play a major role in regulating the formation, release and function of sub-micron sized bubbles called extracellular vesicles (EVs).
The 335 identified genes were from the isolated and profiled cells that excrete EVs in an adult C. elegans. These genes give important information on the biology of these tiny bubbles and their affiliation to various human diseases.
"These EV's are exciting but scary because we don't know what the mechanisms are that decide what is packaged inside them," lead author Maureen Barr, professor in Rutgers' School of Arts and Sciences, said.
Tiny cell bubbles and their effect to health have long been studied. In the past, EVs were deemed as merely debris produced by cellular processes. However, researchers of today have a better insight of EVs' role in neurodegenerative disorders, infectious diseases and even cancer.
Barr added that the knowledge gained from the study on a tiny worm is vital for identifying the biological importance of EVs. Also, this will provide an understanding on the relationship of EVs to human diseases.
Since EVs are found in body fluids such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid, it is a daunting task to identify their cellular source. However, when there is knowledge behind how cells make nucleic acid, lipids and proteins into tiny bubbles, there is a great chance that treatments can be developed.
For example, pharmaceutical treatments can be developed to avert cancer cells from producing EVs or tiny cell bubbles that carry cargo important for the growth of tumors. On the other hand, for EVs which benefit the health, these can be hastened and enhanced.
The study was published in the journal Current Biology.
