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Gene & Protein in Disease A review of exosome-mediated treatments

the exchange of information among cells. What makes our understanding of intercellular communication
exosomes particularly intriguing is their composition, and potentially revolutionizing approaches to medical
which includes a diverse array of bioactive molecules such interventions in the future.
as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1.2. Exosomes in dermatological treatments
The key function of exosomes lies in their capacity to
serve as messengers, facilitating the intricate transfer of The dynamic role of exosomes in dermatological treatments
their molecular cargo from one cell to another. This process has proven effective in therapeutic approaches within the
is integral to influencing cellular processes and contributes field of skincare. These tiny extracellular vesicles showcase
significantly to the regulation of various physiological immense potential due to their inherent capability
and pathological conditions. Essentially, exosomes act to transport crucial signaling molecules, which can
as specialized vehicles that deliver specific payloads to profoundly influence cellular behavior, tissue regeneration,
recipient cells in a targeted manner, as shown in Figure 1. 1 and repair processes.

By transferring these bioactive molecules, exosomes In the context of addressing dermatological conditions,
actively participate in modulating cellular behavior, researchers and clinicians are actively exploring the versatile
1
signaling pathways, and gene expression. This targeted applications of exosomes. One prominent area of focus
delivery system enables them to influence a wide range is in combating the effects of skin aging. Exosomes play
of cellular activities, contributing to the finely tuned a pivotal role in this regard by promoting the production
regulation of biological processes. As a result, exosomes of collagen, a fundamental protein that contributes to
have emerged as essential mediators in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. In addition, exosomes help
homeostasis and responding to changes in the cellular mitigate oxidative stress, a significant factor in aging,
microenvironment. thereby rejuvenating aging skin cells and contributing to an
overall improvement in skin texture. The use of exosomes
Understanding the mechanisms by which exosomes in anti-aging treatments represents a promising avenue for
operate facilitates their potential therapeutic applications. promoting skin health and combating the visible signs of
Researchers are exploring how manipulating exosomal aging. 2,3
content or utilizing their natural ability to transport
specific molecules could be harnessed to develop Furthermore, in the realm of acne treatment, exosomes
innovative treatments for various diseases. The growing derived from specific cell types exhibit the ability to
field of exosome research holds promise for advancing regulate sebum production and modulate inflammatory
processes. This capacity of exosomes introduces novel
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possibilities for the development of effective and targeted
acne treatments. By influencing the underlying factors
contributing to acne, exosomes offer a unique therapeutic
approach that could revolutionize the management of this
common skin condition. 4
Individuals with pigmentation disorders, such as
vitiligo or hyperpigmentation, can also benefit from the
application of exosomes in dermatology. Since exosomes
play a role in influencing the activity of melanocytes – the
cells responsible for pigment production – this influence
introduces an avenue for developing innovative therapies
aimed at correcting pigmentation irregularities. By
precisely modulating melanocyte function, exosomes can
contribute to the restoration of skin color and address
conditions characterized by uneven pigmentation. 5
The integration of exosomes into dermatological
treatments represents a paradigm shift in skincare
strategies. Their ability to influence key cellular processes
offers a targeted and personalized approach to address a
spectrum of skin conditions, from aging-related concerns
Figure 1. Mode of action of exosomes inside the cell to acne and pigmentation disorders. As research in this
Abbreviation: ILVs: Intraluminal vesicles. field progresses, exosomes are likely to play an increasingly

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/gpd.3230