Research progress of stem cell-derived exosomes in injury repair

Abstract

After organ and tissue injury, the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells themselves play only a small role in the repair of injury, and their repair role is mainly played through the paracrine function of stem cells. Exosomes are nano-scale vesicles that are secreted into the extracellular space in an exocytic manner, and its own function will be regulated after the target cells absorb the exosomes. Stem cell-derived exosomes communicate between cells by transmitting proteins, lipids and micro-RNAs (miRNAs). The targeting and biological properties of stem cell-derived exosomes are determined by the level of miRNAs that they carry. After the exosomes reach the target cells and undergo fusion, the gene expression of the target cells is changed by degradation and expression. In addition, the RNA and protein of stem cell-derived exosomes can also limit the development of injury through cell homing. This article will review the mechanism of stem cell-derived exosomes in wound healing, joint injury, fracture healing and cardiac injury.