Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Mechanisms of MicroRNA Loading into Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Progression
Published on: October 6, 2023
Advances in Bioactivity of MicroRNAs of Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles and Milk-Derived Extracellular
Dan Li1, Xiaolin Yao1, Jianxiong Yue1
1School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, P. R. China.
Abstract:
MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small noncoding RNA involved in physiological and pathological processes via the regulation of gene expression. Naked miRNAs are unstable and liable to degradation by RNases. Exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) secreted by plants and extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in milk are abundant in miRNAs, which can be carried by ELNs and EVs to target cells to exert their bioactivities. In this review, we describe the current understanding of miRNAs in plant ELNs and milk EVs, summarize their important roles in regulation of inflammation, intestinal barrier, tumors, and infantile immunological functions, and also discuss the adverse effect of EV miRNAs on human health. Additionally, we prospect recent challenges centered around ELN and EV miRNAs for interventional applications and provide insights of grain-derived ELNs and miRNAs interventional use in human health. Overall, plant ELNs and milk EVs can transfer miRNAs to mitigate the pathological status of recipient cells by mediating the expression of target genes but may also exert some side effects. More studies are required to elucidate the in-depth understanding of potential interventional effects of ELN and EV miRNAs on human health.
Insights
Plant exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) and milk extracellular vesicles (EVs) deliver microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression. These miRNA-carrying nanoparticles show therapeutic potential but also potential adverse effects, requiring further research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression in both physiological and pathological processes.
- Free miRNAs are unstable and susceptible to degradation, limiting their therapeutic applications.
- Exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) from plants and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from milk are natural carriers of stable miRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of miRNAs within plant ELNs and milk EVs.
- To summarize the roles of these miRNAs in inflammation, intestinal barrier function, tumor development, and infant immunity.
- To discuss potential adverse effects and interventional applications of ELN and EV miRNAs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on plant ELNs and milk EVs containing miRNAs.
- Analysis of the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of these encapsulated miRNAs.
- Exploration of challenges and future directions for interventional use of ELN and EV miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Plant ELNs and milk EVs effectively transfer functional miRNAs to recipient cells, modulating gene expression.
- These miRNAs play significant roles in regulating inflammation, intestinal barrier integrity, tumorigenesis, and infant immune responses.
- Potential adverse effects of EV-mediated miRNA transfer on human health were identified.
Conclusions:
- Plant ELNs and milk EVs represent promising natural delivery systems for miRNAs, with potential to mitigate pathological conditions.
- Further research is essential to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential and safety profile of ELN and EV miRNAs for human health interventions.
- Grain-derived ELNs and their miRNAs offer a specific area for future investigation in human health applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:36Overview of Exosomes
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
01:22MicroRNAs