ijms-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Novel Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapy for Central Nervous System Diseases

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 5762

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Interests: extracellular vesicles; biomarker; inflammation; neurological impairment; metabolic dysfunction; intercellular and interorgan crosstalk

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a pivotal role in regulating bodily functions, making the study and treatment of CNS diseases a critical area of research. Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes and microvesicles, have emerged as key players in intercellular communication and the delivery of bioactive molecules. This Special Issue aims to explore the innovative use of EVs as therapeutic agents to target CNS disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, encephalopathies, mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injuries, and neurological cancers.

We welcome submissions of original research manuscripts, short communications, and reviews focusing on the latest advancements in the following areas (the list is not exhaustive): the isolation and characterization of EVs, the cargo of bioactive molecules, mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical studies, EVs from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and future directions for EV-based therapies in the CNS.

Dr. Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • extracellular vesicles (EVs)
  • exosomes
  • therapy
  • CNS disorders
  • neuroinflammation
  • signal transduction
  • mechanism
  • interorgan crosstalk
  • biomarker
  • EVs from MSCs
  • drug delivery

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 2080 KiB  
Article
Exercise-Intervened Endothelial Progenitor Cell Exosomes Protect N2a Cells by Improving Mitochondrial Function
by Shuzhen Chen, Smara Sigdel, Harshal Sawant, Ji Bihl and Jinju Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021148 - 17 Jan 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1943
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that exosomal communication between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and brain endothelial cells is compromised in hypertensive conditions, which might contribute to the poor outcomes of stroke subjects with hypertension. The present study investigated whether exercise intervention can regulate EPC–exosome [...] Read more.
We have recently demonstrated that exosomal communication between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and brain endothelial cells is compromised in hypertensive conditions, which might contribute to the poor outcomes of stroke subjects with hypertension. The present study investigated whether exercise intervention can regulate EPC–exosome (EPC-EX) functions in hypertensive conditions. Bone marrow EPCs from sedentary and exercised hypertensive transgenic mice were used for generating EPC-EXs, denoted as R-EPC-EXs and R-EPC-EXET. The exosomal microRNA profile was analyzed, and EX functions were determined in a co-culture system with N2a cells challenged by angiotensin II (Ang II) plus hypoxia. EX-uptake efficiency, cellular survival ability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expressions of cytochrome c and superoxide-generating enzyme (Nox4) were assessed. We found that (1) exercise intervention improves the uptake efficiency of EPC-EXs by N2a cells. (2) exercise intervention restores miR-27a levels in R-EPC-EXs. (3) R-EPC-EXET improved the survival ability and reduced ROS overproduction in N2a cells challenged with Ang II and hypoxia. (4) R-EPC-EXET improved the mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased cytochrome c and Nox4 levels in Ang II plus hypoxia-injured N2a cells. All these effects were significantly reduced by miR-27a inhibitor. Together, these data have demonstrated that exercise-intervened EPC-EXs improved the mitochondrial function of N2a cells in hypertensive conditions, which might be ascribed to their carried miR-27a. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 392 KiB  
Review
Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Their Clinical and Therapeutic Potential in Central Nervous System Pathologies
by Michele Malaguarnera and Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 10068; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251810068 - 19 Sep 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3266
Abstract
The emerging role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in central nervous system (CNS) diseases is gaining significant interest, particularly their applications as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. EVs are involved in intercellular communication and are secreted by all cell types. They contain specific markers [...] Read more.
The emerging role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in central nervous system (CNS) diseases is gaining significant interest, particularly their applications as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. EVs are involved in intercellular communication and are secreted by all cell types. They contain specific markers and a diverse cargo such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reflecting the physiological and pathological state of their originating cells. Their reduced immunogenicity and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier make them promising candidates for both biomarkers and therapeutic agents. In the context of CNS diseases, EVs have shown promise as biomarkers isolable from different body fluids, providing a non-invasive method for diagnosing CNS diseases and monitoring disease progression. This makes them useful for the early detection and monitoring of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where specific alterations in EVs content can be detected. Additionally, EVs derived from stem cells show potential in promoting tissue regeneration and repairing damaged tissues. An evaluation has been conducted on the current clinical trials studying EVs for CNS diseases, focusing on their application, treatment protocols, and obtained results. This review aims to explore the potential of EVs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic carriers for CNS diseases, highlighting their significant advantages and ongoing clinical trials evaluating their efficacy. Full article
Back to TopTop