Emerging role of exosome-mediated intercellular communication in vascular remodeling

Abstract

Vascular remodeling refers to the alternations of function and structure in vasculature. A complex autocrine/paracrine set of cellular interaction is involved in vascular remodeling. Exosome, a newly identified natural nanocarrier and intercellular messenger, plays a pivotal role in regulating cell-to-cell communication. Exosome emerges as an important mediator in the process of vascular remodeling, showing the most prognostic and therapeutic potent in vascular diseases. Benefiting from exosomal trafficking, the vasculature can not only maintain its function and structure in physiological condition, but also adapt itself in pathological status. In this review, we will represent the roles of exosomes in angiogenesis, endothelial function and cardiac regeneration. In addition, greatly depending on the pathophysiological status of donor cells and peripheral micro-circumstance, the exosomal content could alter, which makes exosomes exhibit pleiotropic effects in vascular diseases. Hence, the diverse effects of exosomes in vascular diseases including atherosclerosis, neointima formation and vascular repair, primary hypertension, pulmonary artery hypertension, and aortic aneurysm will be discussed. Finally, the translational appliances targeting exosomes will be concluded by providing updated applications of engineered exosomes in clinic.

Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells expressing miR‐125b inhibit neointimal hyperplasia via myosin IE

“…It has been reported that MSC engraftment reduces vascular remodelling after coronary vessel balloon injury, this was demonstrated by a lower I/M, neointimal area and positive expression of PCNA in addition to enhanced re‐endothelialisation after MSC transplantation . Several studies have reported that exosomes derived from stem cells could target endothelial cells to promote the pro‐angiogenic effect after myocardial infarction, and exosomes derived from MSC could target VSMC to promote an anti‐inflammatory effect . In a rat model of balloon‐induced vascular injury, exosomes isolated from EPCs accelerated the process of re‐endothelialisation in vivo and enhanced endothelial function in vitro .…”

“…Accumulating evidence suggests that exosome‐derived miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of various aspects of neointima formation via the modulation of target cell functions (eg proliferation and migration of VSMCs) and the resulting effects on vasculature homeostasis . It has been reported that MSC engraftment reduces vascular remodelling after coronary vessel balloon injury, this was demonstrated by a lower I/M, neointimal area and positive expression of PCNA in addition to enhanced re‐endothelialisation after MSC transplantation .…”

Hypoxia-induced exosomes contribute to a more aggressive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer phenotype: a novel mechanism linking STAT3/Rab proteins

“…These cell contents, when transferred to recipient cells, can alter its biologic behavior, including intracellular signaling pathways 10 . Exosomal contents, therefore, have the ability to act as either tumor suppressors or promoters through their direct actions on a cell or by modifying the microenvironment 13, 14, 15 .…”

TGF‐β‐mediated exosomal lnc‐MMP2‐2 regulates migration and invasion of lung cancer cells to the vasculature by promoting MMP2 expression

“…Recent studies showed that exosomes play important roles as carriers of intercellular signals during cancer invasion and vascular remodeling . In the present study, we extracted exosomes from TGF‐β pretreated A549 cell culture supernatant (Texo) and untreated A549 cell culture supernatant (exo).…”