Title: Cellular communication via nanoparticle-transporting biovesicles

Authors: Silvia Ferrati​‌, Kellie I McConnell​‌, Aaron C Mack​‌, Natalie Sirisaengtaksin​‌, Rodrigo Diaz​‌, Andrew J Bean​‌ , Mauro Ferrari​‌ & Rita E Serda​‌

Abstract:

Aims: Endothelial cells are dynamic cells tasked with selective transport of cargo from blood vessels to tissues. Here we demonstrate the potential for nanoparticle transport across endothelial cells in membrane-bound vesicles. Materials & methods: Cell-free endothelial-derived biovesicles were characterized for cellular and nanoparticle content by electron microscopy. Confocal microscopy was used to evaluate biovesicles for organelle-specific proteins, and to monitor biovesicle engulfment by naive cells. Results: Nanoparticle-laden biovesicles containing low-density polyethyleneimine nanoparticles appear to be predominately of endosomal origin, combining features of multivesicular bodies, lysosomes and autophagosomes. Conversely, high-density polyethyleneimine nanoparticles stimulate the formation of biovesicles associated with cellular apoptotic breakdown. Secreted LAMP-1-positive biovesicles are internalized by recipient cells, either of the same origin or of novel phenotype. Conclusion: Cellular biovesicles, rich in cellular signals, present an important mode of cell-to-cell communication either locally or through broadcasting of biological messages.

Direct link: www.futuremedicine.com/doi/abs/10.2217/nnm.13.57