The emerging role of artificial intelligence applied to exosome analysis: from cancer biology to other biomedical fields
Vittorio Picchio, Virginia Pontecorvi, Xhulio Dhori, Antonella Bordin, Erica Floris, Claudia Cozzolino, Giacomo Frati, Francesca Pagano, Isotta Chimenti, Elena De Falco
Abstract
In recent years, exosomes versatility has prompted their study in the biomedical field for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications. Exosomes are bi-lipid small extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) secreted by various cell types, containing proteins, lipids, and DNA/RNA. They mediate intercellular communication and can influence multiple human physiological and pathological processes. So far, exosome analysis has revealed their role as promising diagnostic tools for human pathologies. Concurrently, artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised multiple sectors, including medicine, owing to its ability to analyse large datasets and identify complex patterns. The combination of exosome analysis with AI processing has displayed a novel diagnostic approach for cancer and other diseases. This review explores the current applications and prospects of the combined use of exosomes and AI in medicine. Firstly, we provide a biological overview of exosomes and their relevance in cancer biology. Then we explored exosome isolation techniques and Raman spectroscopy/SERS analysis. Finally, we present a summarised essential guide of AI methods for non-experts, emphasising the advancements made in AI applications for exosome characterisation and profiling in oncology research, as well as in other human diseases.