The Emerging Role of Cell-Derived Microvesicles in Stem Cell Research and Therapy

Abstract

Recently, there has been growing interest in cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) or extracellular vesicles (EV) due to their vital roles in inter-cellular communications and great potential of therapeutic applications. The mechanism behind these roles involves encapsulation of bioactive molecules from MV-producing cells and delivery to receipt cells nearby or at long distance through blood circulation. Proteins, mRNA, miRNA or even certain phospholipids can be bioactive molecules in different MVs that transfer signals from producing cells to receipt cells and change their fate. Stem cells can produce MVs which are able to enhance proliferation of target cells. Among them, MVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells are well studied and have been shown to have multiple therapeutic applications. As an emerging area, there are still more work needed to be done, including but not limited to MV body distribution and pharmacokinetics, before these existing biofunctions found in vitro can be translated to patients.