Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that transcriptional regulators and secreted RNA molecules encapsulated within membrane vesicles modify the phenotype of target cells. Membrane vesicles, actively released by cells, represent a mechanism of intercellular communication that is conserved evolutionarily and involves the transfer of molecules able to induce epigenetic changes in recipient cells. Extracellular vesicles, which include exosomes and microvesicles, carry proteins, bioactive lipids, and nucleic acids, which are protected from enzyme degradation. These vesicles can transfer signals capable of altering cell function and/or reprogramming targeted cells. In the present review we focus on the extracellular vesicle-induced epigenetic changes in recipient cells that may lead to phenotypic and functional modifications. The relevance of these phenomena in stem cell biology and tissue repair is discussed.
Highlights
Information exchange between cells coordinates development and functional interplay in complex organisms
We found that Extracellular vesicle (EV) released from human adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) contain mature miRNAs and that miRNAs encapsulated in vesicles were more abundant than in the cell of origin, suggesting a specific compartmentalization [48]
Experiments showing the transfer of human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor mRNA to murine proximal tubular cells, followed by IGF-1 receptor synthesis and enhanced sensitivity to IGF-1, provided an explanation for the amplification of the regenerative action of the few MSCs localized to the kidney [80], and further supported the notion that extracellular RNA (exRNA) is transferred via EVs in acute kidney injury (AKI) [38]
Summary
Information exchange between cells coordinates development and functional interplay in complex organisms. We found that EVs released from human adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) contain mature miRNAs and that miRNAs encapsulated in vesicles were more abundant than in the cell of origin, suggesting a specific compartmentalization [48].
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