Identification of exosome-like nanoparticle-derived microRNAs from 11 edible fruits and vegetables

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Purification and microRNA Profiling of Exosomes Derived from Blood and Culture Media

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Juan Xiao1,2, Siyuan Feng1,2, Xun Wang1,2

  • 1Sichuan Agricultural University, Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.

Peerj
|August 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Edible plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (EPDELNs) contain microRNAs (miRNAs) that may regulate human genes. These plant-derived nanovesicles show potential for therapeutic applications by influencing biological pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Plant biology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Edible plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (EPDELNs) are novel nanostructures found in edible plants.
  • EPDELNs share structural similarities with exosomes and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of biological processes, and their presence in EPDELNs is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and potential function of miRNAs within EPDELNs isolated from various edible fruits and vegetables.
  • To characterize the miRNA content of EPDELNs and predict their biological targets and associated pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of nanovesicles from 11 different edible fruits and vegetables.
  • Small RNA library preparation and Illumina sequencing of isolated EPDELNs.
  • Bioinformatic analysis including miRNA identification, target prediction, and functional enrichment analysis.

Main Results:

  • Identification of 418 unique miRNAs across 11 EPDELN samples, with 32-127 miRNAs per species.
  • Functional analysis indicated that highly expressed miRNAs are linked to inflammatory response and cancer-related pathways.
  • MiRNAs were classified into frequent, moderately present, and rare categories based on EPDELN distribution, with frequent miRNAs showing higher cumulative expression.

Conclusions:

  • EPDELNs encapsulate a diverse range of miRNAs with potential roles in regulating human cellular functions.
  • The identified miRNAs, particularly frequent ones, may influence human mRNA targets, suggesting therapeutic potential for EPDELNs.
  • Further research into EPDELN-miRNA interactions could unlock novel strategies for disease management and health improvement.
Keywords:
Cross-kingdomExosome-like nanoparticlesIllumina sequencingmiRNA expression profilemiRNAs expression profile

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