Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Study of a Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Published on: March 3, 2023
Exosome-cargoed microRNAs: Potential therapeutic molecules for diabetic wound healing
Ruohan Lou1, Jiali Chen1, Fei Zhou1
1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China.
Abstract:
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common complications of diabetes, requiring repeated surgical intervention and leading to amputation. Owing to the lack of effective drugs, novel therapeutics need to be explored. Decreased angiogenic factors, endothelial cell dysfunction and vascular lumen stenosis impair angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Exosome-cargoed microRNAs are emerging as pivotal regulators of angiogenesis during wound closure. Herein, we summarize the up-to-date knowledge of exosomal microRNAs in modulating angiogenesis and accelerating diabetic wound healing, as well as their targets and underlying mechanisms. Exosomal microRNAs could be therapeutics with negligible rejection complications and good compatibility to treat diabetic foot ulcers.
Insights
Exosomal microRNAs show promise for treating diabetic foot ulcers by improving blood vessel formation. These novel therapeutics offer a compatible option for accelerating diabetic wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes, often leading to amputation.
- Current treatments are limited, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.
- Impaired angiogenesis, due to factors like endothelial dysfunction and stenosis, hinders diabetic wound healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on exosomal microRNAs in regulating angiogenesis.
- To explore the role of exosomal microRNAs in accelerating diabetic wound healing.
- To identify targets and mechanisms of exosomal microRNAs in diabetic wound repair.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of exosomal microRNAs and angiogenesis.
- Analysis of microRNA targets and regulatory pathways.
- Evaluation of exosomal microRNAs as potential therapeutics for diabetic wounds.
Main Results:
- Exosomal microRNAs are key regulators of angiogenesis during wound healing.
- These microRNAs influence endothelial cell function and vascularization.
- Specific microRNAs have been identified as crucial for promoting wound closure.
Conclusions:
- Exosomal microRNAs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic foot ulcers.
- Their ability to modulate angiogenesis offers a novel approach to accelerate healing.
- Exosomal microRNAs demonstrate good biocompatibility and minimal rejection, suitable for therapeutic applications.
Related Concept Videos
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Overview of Exosomes
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
MicroRNAs

