[Corrigendum] Human peripheral blood‑derived exosomes for microRNA delivery

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Exosomes are key mediators of cell-to-cell communication, shuttling various molecules.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) hold therapeutic potential for cardiac diseases, but effective delivery methods are needed.
• Investigating exosome-based delivery systems for miRNAs could enhance their clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if human peripheral blood exosomes can serve as a delivery system for miRNAs.
• To evaluate the effect of miR-21 delivered via exosomes on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI).

Main Methods:

• Exosomes derived from human peripheral blood were loaded with miR-21 mimics or inhibitors.
• In vitro studies used H9C2 and HL-1 cells to assess miR-21 expression and target gene regulation (Smad7, PTEN, MMP2).
• In vivo studies utilized a mouse MI model to evaluate the effects of exosome-delivered miRNAs on cardiac fibrosis and target gene expression.

Main Results:

• Exosomes successfully delivered miR-21 mimics and inhibitors into cells, regulating miR-21 expression.
• Uptake of exosome-loaded miRNAs altered the expression of fibrosis-related genes (Smad7, PTEN, MMP2) both in vitro and in vivo.
• miR-21 mimic-loaded exosomes exacerbated cardiac fibrosis, while miR-21 inhibitor-loaded exosomes reduced fibrosis in the mouse MI model.

Conclusions:

• Human peripheral blood exosomes are effective cargo carriers for miRNAs.
• Exosome-mediated delivery of miR-21 can modulate cardiac fibrosis.
• miRNA-loaded exosomes represent a promising therapeutic strategy for managing cardiac diseases like myocardial infarction.