Migrasomes: Emerging players in intercellular communication and disease pathogenesis (Review)

Migrasomes are novel extracellular organelles that were first reported in 2015. The present review summarizes the discovery, structural characteristics, biological functions and relationships of this new cellular organelle with diseases. Migrasomes are annular organelles that extend from the trailing edge of cells during cell migration and are rich in proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and other biomolecules. They serve important roles at multiple levels, including roles in cell‑cell communication, tissue remodeling and immune regulation. The formation and function of migrasomes are associated with the regulation of various molecules and signaling pathways, including nucleation, expansion and maturation. Migrasomes also have important roles in organ morphogenesis, angiogenesis, mitochondrial quality control and immune regulation. In addition, migrasomes are closely associated with the development of various diseases, including kidney diseases, pneumonia after stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, providing new perspectives and potential targets for disease diagnosis and treatment. For example, in cancer, migrasomes can act as positioning signals, regulating the invasion of liver cancer cells. In neurodegenerative diseases, migrasomes may have a role in clearing damaged mitochondria, thereby helping to alleviate inflammatory responses and cellular dysfunction. Collectively, these findings suggest that migrasomes have notable potential for use in clinical disease diagnosis and treatment.