Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome miR-542-3p suppresses inflammation and prevents cerebral infarction

Guofeng Cai1, Guoliang Cai2,3, Haichun Zhou4

  • 1Hanan Branch of Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150001, China. cangjiong1973@163.com.

Abstract

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes carrying miR-542-3p protect against cerebral infarction by inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and reducing inflammation. This offers a potential therapy for ischemic brain injury.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Cerebral infarction is a leading global cause of death and disability.
  • Glial cell inflammatory response significantly contributes to brain damage in cerebral infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic function of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in cerebral infarction.
  • To explore the role of microRNA-542-3p (miR-542-3p) and Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) in MSC-mediated neuroprotection.

Main Methods:

  • Microarray analysis identified altered miR-542-3p and TLR4 levels in a mouse model of cerebral infarction (MCAO).
  • Luciferase and RIP assays confirmed the binding interaction between miR-542-3p and TLR4.
  • Adeno-associated virus (AAV9) carrying miR-542-3p was administered to MCAO mice; miR-542-3p mimics were used in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell models.
  • Exosomes derived from MSCs engineered to carry miR-542-3p were tested for therapeutic effects.

Main Results:

  • Overexpression of miR-542-3p via AAV9 injection reduced infarct volume, neuronal degeneration, and neuroinflammation in MCAO mice.
  • miR-542-3p mimics alleviated OGD-induced apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammation in neuronal cells.
  • MSC-derived exosomes containing miR-542-3p effectively mitigated MCAO- and OGD-induced cerebral injury and inflammation by targeting TLR4.

Conclusions:

  • MSC-derived exosome miR-542-3p exerts a protective effect against ischemia-induced brain injury by suppressing glial cell inflammatory responses through TLR4 inhibition.
  • Exosome-mediated delivery of miR-542-3p represents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating cerebral ischemic injury.