The migrasome, a recently discovered organelle formed during cell migration, is a membrane-bound vesicular structure containing numerous smaller intracavitary vesicles and cellular contents. It is generated at the tips and intersections of retraction fibers (RFs). Upon the rupture of RFs, migrasomes can either be engulfed by surrounding cells or undergo lysis to release their contents into the extracellular microenvironment. The process through which cells release their contents via migrasomes is termed migracytosis. Migrasomes play crucial roles in intercellular signaling, cellular homeostasis maintenance, and intercellular material transport. This article provides a comprehensive review of the discovery, biogenesis, isolation and characterization, biological functions of migrasomes, as well as their roles in the occurrence, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of clinical diseases. Furthermore, this paper proposes novel hypotheses and future directions regarding the current research challenges of migrasomes and their potential clinical applications, which may facilitate future clinical diagnosis and treatment involving migrasomes.
Keywords: Cell migration; Disease progression; Migrasomes; Organelle.
© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.