The Physiological Functions and Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes in Metabolic Disease

Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicles encompassed by a lipid bilayer membrane and secreted by all types of cells. Exosomes contain diverse components such as DNA, RNA, lipids, proteins, metabolites, cytoplasm, and they are quite heterogeneous for different cells. Upon secretion, exosomes interact with local or distant cells, thus mediate intercellular communication and contribute to a wide variety of physiological processes such as organ development, neuronal communication, antigen presentation, immune response, lactation and reproductive performances, and pathological processes including cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disease, viral infection, inflammation and cancer. Evidence suggested that adipose tissue-derived exosomes contribute to the development of metabolic disorders. Meanwhile, it was also found that diabetic patients were characterized by a peculiar profile of circulating exosomes with miRNA cargo which is distinct from that of individuals who are metabolically normal. It is thus promising that exosomes as novel biomarkers in metabolic disease and obesity-related cancers.



Over the past decades, the field of exosome research has developed rapidly, and the use of exosomes as the diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and drug delivery tools in the field of disease and treatment has well been demonstrated and continues to be a subject of intense study. However, the current understanding of exosomes is incomplete. Considering the critical roles and promising potential of exosomes, especially in the field of metabolic disorder, this research topic will focus on exosomes and their applications, including, but not limited to, their origin, composition, biogenesis and release, transfer and delivery, physiological and pathological functions, applications, and methods for exosome isolation, analysis, storage. We welcome reviews, original articles, and short communications focused but not limited to the following themes:



• Content and composition of exosomes, including their origin, biogenesis, secretion, transfer, and delivery in metabolic diseases (eg. Type I and Type II diabetes);

• Roles of exosomes in physiological condition related to host metabolism;

• Novel exosome biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of diabetic disorders;

• Potential exosome-targeted therapy for metabolic disorders;