Title:Intraocular Exosomes in Eye Diseases
Volume: 22
Issue: 6
Author(s): Hui Zhang, Xiaomin Zhang*Xiaorong Li
Affiliation:
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research
Centre for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital,
Tianjin, China
Keywords:
Exosomes, aqueous humor, vitreous humor, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, extracellular vesicles.
Abstract: Exosomes, nanosized extracellular vesicles with a size of 30–150nm, contain
many biological materials, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA),
proteins, and transcription factors. It has been identified in all biological fluids and
recognized as an important part of intercellular communication. While the role of
exosomes in cancer has been studied in-depth, our understanding of their relevance for
ocular tissues has just begun to evolve. Intraocular fluids, including aqueous humor and
vitreous humor, play a role in nourishing eye tissues and in expelling metabolites. In the
pathological state, intraocular exosomes can mediate pathological processes such as
ECM remodeling, retinal inflammation, and blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. Herein, we
reviewed the latest advances of intraocular exosomes in the research of several eye
diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, and ocular
tumors, and discuss how intraocular exosomes contribute to the pathogenesis and
progression of multiple eye diseases.