Extracellular vesicles as therapeutic target in vascular diseases
Extracellular vesicles are a hot topic in medical research. The small particles are particularly interesting because of their potential for the early detection of diseases. In the future they might also play a role in treatment itself. The use of EVs in vascular medicine is being intensively researched. In a joint article, the LBI Trauma and the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, examine the current state of research.
The article was published open access in the journal Life: Lymphatic and Blood Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles: A Story Yet to Be Written
Study co-author Silvio Kau from the Institute of Morphology at Vetmeduni on the current research situation: “The vascular endothelium regulates important signaling pathways that affect blood cells and cells in the vicinity of vessels and regulate the adaptation and plasticity of endothelial cells. The different molecular signatures and functional properties of Endothelial cells reflect their heterogeneity and drive current research to better understand the diversity of physiological and pathological effects of extracellular vesicles of the vascular endothelium.”
Several questions remain open on this subject. According to the scientists, sustainable progress requires specific studies as well as universal research standards. Silvio Kau and his colleagues, including Wolfgang Holnthoner, President of the Austrian Society for Extracellular Vesicles and Head of Vascular Biology at LBI Trauma, are therefore doing everything they can to advance research in this field.
“Only if we become aware of the disease early on, can we treat it effectively and save lives as a result,” explains Silvio Kau. Since laboratory work is expensive, the Vetmeduni has now launched a fundraiser. The donations are used directly for laboratory material, special computer programs and laboratory equipment used: Extrazelluläre Vesikel – Hoffnungsträger in der Gefäßmedizin – Ihre Spende hilft Mensch und Tier
