DNA in extracellular vesicles: from evolution to its current application in health and disease

Abstract

Highlights Protecting DNA in membrane vesicles seems to be a conserved phenomenon for the horizontal genetic flux between prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes. Capturing and analyzing this vesicular DNA enables quick and non-invasive monitoring of natural ecosystems. Cancer-derived extracellular vesicles containing DNA open up novel directions in cell-to-cell communication and therefore disease monitoring. Complex and fluctuating conditions of the tumor microenvironment, mimicking natural ecosystems, could favor EV-DNA release, mediating tumor multi-clonal evolution and providing survival benefits.