Exosomes

Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that transport cellular materials between cells. Recently, they have garnered attention because of their role in mediating intercellular communication. Ranging from 40 to 200 nm in diameter, exosomes were discovered in the early 1980s and were initially thought to be cellular waste products.

However, subsequent research revealed their critical functions in various physiological and pathological processes. Exosomes are recognised as essential carriers of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, between cells

Exosomes were first identified during studies on the maturation of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells that the body produces to replace older or damaged ones) where researchers observed the release of small vesicles containing transferrin receptors (a protein that helps cells take up iron from the blood). This discovery marked the beginning of a paradigm shift in cell biology, highlighting the potential of exosomes as mediators of intercellular communication. Over the past few decades, extensive research has elucidated the complex biogenesis, diverse composition, and multifaceted functions of exosomes.

Exosomes are involved in several biological processes, including immune responses, cell proliferation, and tissue repair. Furthermore, their involvement in disease mechanisms has been increasingly recognized, with implications for cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The capacity of exosomes to transfer molecular information between cells has opened new avenues for understanding disease pathogenesis and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies.

The exploration of exosomes has significantly transformed our understanding of cellular communication and its implications in various physiological and pathological contexts. Originally perceived as mere cellular waste products, exosomes are now recognized as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, involved in a myriad of biological processes and disease mechanisms.

Exosomes, with their lipid bilayer membrane and rich cargo of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, have demonstrated remarkable potential as biomarkers for various diseases. Their presence in body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid, coupled with their stability and molecular diversity, make them ideal candidates for non-invasive diagnostics. This potential is particularly evident in dermatological conditions. The ability of exosomes to mirror the physiological or pathological state of their cells of origin provides a unique avenue for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and tailoring therapeutic interventions.

In dermatology, exosomes have emerged as pivotal agents in both the diagnosis and treatment of skin-related disorders. Their role in modulating pigmentation, influencing melanoma progression, and contributing to conditions like Merkel cell carcinoma and psoriasis underscores their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Additionally, in medical aesthetics, exosomes offer innovative solutions for anti-aging, wound healing, and hair loss treatments, leveraging their bioactive molecules to enhance cellular functions and tissue regeneration.

Limitations of exosomes include the lack of standardisation in isolation and characterisation methods, an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of action, and the need for further safety and efficacy data on the clinical application of exosomes. Continued interdisciplinary research and technological advancements are essential for further applications of exosomes in both clinical and aesthetic dermatology.

In conclusion, the study of exosomes represents a frontier in biomedical science, offering profound insights into cellular communication and promising new directions for disease diagnosis and therapy. As our understanding deepens, the clinical and therapeutic applications of exosomes will likely expand, providing innovative solutions for a range of medical and aesthetic challenges.

NOT MY OWN WORK. Taken from:

Schur, N., Samman, L., Shah, M., Dukharan, V., Stegura, C., Broughton, L. and Schlesinger, T. (2025), Exosomes: Historical Evolution and Emerging Roles in Dermatology. J Cosmet Dermatol, 24: e16769. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16769

Department of Dermatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA et alia.

(This is reproduced from an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. (Italics, here are mine)

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