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Mesenchymal MicroRNA Function Branches Out

Huojun Cao1, Liu Hong2, Brad A Amendt3

  • 1Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Endodontics, College of Dentistry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.

Developmental Cell
|January 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Exosomes carry microRNAs (miRs) that are crucial for fetal development. Mesenchymal cells secrete exosomal miRs regulating epithelial progenitor cell expansion in developing salivary glands.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Cell signaling
  • Extracellular vesicles

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRs) are abundant in exosomes, but their roles in fetal development remain unclear.
  • Exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of exosomal miRs during mammalian organogenesis.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which mesenchymal cells influence epithelial progenitor cells via exosomal miRs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of microRNA content in exosomes.
  • In vivo studies of salivary gland development in mice.
  • Investigating cell-cell communication pathways.

Main Results:

  • Mesenchymal cells secrete exosomal microRNAs.
  • These exosomal microRNAs regulate the expansion of epithelial KIT+ progenitor cells.
  • This process is critical for salivary gland organogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Exosomal microRNAs play a significant role in regulating progenitor cell proliferation during fetal development.
  • Mesenchymal-derived exosomal miRs are essential for salivary gland formation.

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