Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed particles released by virtually all cell types. EVs carry cytosolic biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins; over the years, they have been revealed to be critical mediators in both physiological and pathological processes. In the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD), EVs influence key aspects of disease progression, including neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and the propagation of toxic protein species across brain regions. They play a dual role in inflammation (either promoting or mitigating it) and can contribute to neuronal health by clearing toxic proteins and cellular debris, particularly when proteostasis is impaired. Conversely, EVs may also facilitate the intercellular spread of neurotoxic aggregates, exacerbating disease pathology. This positions EVs as both a potential driver of neurodegeneration and a target for therapeutic intervention. Strategies that selectively inhibit the pathogenic functions of EVs while preserving their protective roles hold promise for AD treatment. Furthermore, EVs of neural origin isolated from blood provide a unique, minimally invasive window into brain pathology and represent a promising source of biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Creative Biolabs is honored to invite Dr. Francesc Guix to speak on the double-edged role of extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Guix will discuss the following key points:

• Introduction of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and the significance of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in the study of AD.
• EV Characteristics: How nano-sized, cell-released vesicles transport nucleic acids, proteins, etc. and facilitate cell-to-cell communication.
• The Role of EVs in Brain Physiology: EVs support communication between neurons and glia, contributing to brain homeostasis.
• The Dual Role of EVs in AD: EVs help clear toxic proteins but may also spread misfolded proteins (e.g., tau, Aβ) and enhance neuroinflammation.
• Therapeutic Potential: Primarily discussing the application of targeted EVs for AD treatment, enhanced beneficial effects, and application as diagnostic biomarkers.