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Exosomes and exosomal non-coding RNAs throughout human gestation (Review).
Ioanna Maligianni1,2, Christos Yapijakis1,2, Konstantina Nousia1,2
1First Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Orofacial Genetics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|August 11, 2022
Summary
Exosomes facilitate maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy. Altered exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) signal pregnancy complications, offering potential diagnostic biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication, carrying biomolecules involved in physiological and pathological processes.
- The placenta is a significant source of circulating exosomes, with release increasing throughout gestation.
- Exosomes play a crucial role in maternal-fetal crosstalk, influencing immune tolerance and metabolic adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of exosomes and their cargo in normal and pathological pregnancy.
- To explore the role of exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in pregnancy regulation and complications.
- To highlight the potential of exosomes as biomarkers for pregnancy disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on exosomes in pregnancy.
- Analysis of research on exosomal content, particularly non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).
- Examination of findings related to pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia.
Main Results:
- Exosome release from the placenta increases during pregnancy, supporting maternal-fetal communication.
- Altered exosomal ncRNAs (microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) are associated with pregnancy complications.
- Exosomes and exosomal ncRNAs show promise as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes are integral to normal pregnancy progression and maternal-fetal crosstalk.
- Dysregulation of exosomal content, especially ncRNAs, is linked to pathological pregnancy states.
- Exosomal biomarkers offer a promising avenue for diagnosing and managing pregnancy disorders.
