Exosomal circRNAs contribute to intestinal development via the VEGF signalling pathway in human term and preterm...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Molecular biology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Human breast milk (HBM) is crucial for infant development, containing bioactive molecules like RNAs within exosomes.
• Previous research indicates exosomal circRNAs influence intestinal epithelial cell repair.
• The specific role of HBM exosomal circRNAs in infant intestinal development remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of human colostrum-derived exosomal circRNAs on infant intestinal development.
• To identify differentially expressed circRNAs in preterm and term colostrum and their potential targets.
• To explore the mechanism by which these circRNAs influence intestinal epithelial cells.

Main Methods:

• Identification and quantification of circRNAs in preterm colostrum (PC) and term colostrum (TC).
• Bioinformatic analysis including pathway and network analysis to identify key signaling pathways and miRNA targets.
• In vitro experiments using exosomes from PC and TC to assess effects on small intestinal epithelial cells (FHCs) and VEGF protein expression.

Main Results:

• 6756 circRNAs were identified in both PC and TC, with 66 upregulated and 42 downregulated in PC.
• Pathway analysis implicated the VEGF signaling pathway, and network analysis revealed interactions between circRNAs and miRNAs.
• Exosomes from PC and TC promoted VEGF protein expression and enhanced FHC proliferation and migration.

Conclusions:

• Human colostrum exosomal circRNAs are differentially expressed and potentially regulate the VEGF signaling pathway.
• These exosomal circRNAs may play a significant role in promoting infant intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and migration.
• Further research into HBM exosomal circRNAs offers insights into infant intestinal development and potential therapeutic strategies.