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Exosomes populate the cerebrospinal fluid of preterm infants with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus

Robert Spaull1, Bryony McPherson1, Andriana Gialeli1

  • 1Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK.

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience
|January 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Researchers characterized exosomes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from preterm infants with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). This study identifies potential biomarkers for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Neurology
  • Extracellular Vesicle Biology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Preterm infants face risks of germinal matrix haemorrhage-intraventricular haemorrhage (GMH-IVH), leading to post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in 30%.
  • PHH is linked to neurodevelopmental impairment and cerebral palsy, yet lacks predictive indicators for severity or long-term outcomes.
  • Endosome-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), or exosomes, are increasingly recognized for their role in intercellular communication through enriched micro-RNAs and proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize EVs from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of preterm infants diagnosed with PHH.
  • To investigate the potential of CSF exosomes as biomarkers for PHH in preterm neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of EVs from CSF of 3 preterm infants with PHH.
  • Utilized nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with immunogold protein labeling.
  • Performed micro-RNA analysis on the exosome-enriched fraction.

Main Results:

  • Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a heterogeneous and dynamic population of EVs in CSF.
  • Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of CD63+ and CD81+ exosomes.
  • Specific micro-RNAs (miR-9, miR-17, miR-26a, miR-124, miR-1911) were detected and profiled over time within the exosome-enriched fraction.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first characterization of exosomes isolated from the CSF of preterm infants suffering from PHH.
  • The findings highlight the potential of CSF exosomes and their micro-RNA cargo as novel biomarkers for PHH in preterm neonates.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cerebral palsyCerebrospinal fluidExosomeIntraventricular hemorrhageMicro RNAPreterm infant

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