Abstract
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic event to the spinal cord with considerable morbidity and mortality. This injury leads to short- and long-term variations in the spinal cord, and can have a serious effect on the patient’s sensory, motor, or autonomic functions. Due to the complicated pathological process of SCI, there is currently no successful clinical treatment strategy. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a double-layer membrane structure of 30–150 nm diameter, have recently been considered as critical mediators for communication between cells and tissues by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Further studies verified that exosomes participate in the pathophysiological process of several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, and could have a significant impact in their treatment. As natural carriers of biologically active cargos, exosomes have emerged as pathological mediators of SCI. In this review article, we critically discuss the functions of exosomes as intracellular mediators and potential treatments in SCI and provide an outlook on future research.
Highlights
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe traumatic event to the spinal cord
There is increasing evidence that the beneficial results of this cell-based therapy are facilitated by exosomes discharged by donor cells, and the microRNAs in these exosomes have a substantial impact on SCI management (Zhang Z.G. et al, 2019)
multivesicular bodies (MVBs) merge together with the plasma membrane, and mature miRNAs are discharged into the extracellular region within the exosomes, where they participate in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis (Figure 2)
Summary
Jia Feng1†, Yifan Zhang1†, Zhihan Zhu, Chenyang Gu1, Ahmed Waqas and Lukui Chen1*. Reviewed by: Firas H. Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic event to the spinal cord with considerable morbidity and mortality. This injury leads to short- and long-term variations in the spinal cord, and can have a serious effect on the patient’s sensory, motor, or autonomic functions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a double-layer membrane structure of 30–150 nm diameter, have recently been considered as critical mediators for communication between cells and tissues by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. As natural carriers of biologically active cargos, exosomes have emerged as pathological mediators of SCI. We critically discuss the functions of exosomes as intracellular mediators and potential treatments in SCI and provide an outlook on future research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
