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Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Isolating, Sequencing and Analyzing Extracellular MicroRNAs from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: March 8, 2019
MicroRNA-100-5p in exosomes from human placental mesenchymal stem cells: a key modulator of anti-psoriatic effects
Yu-Chen Huang1,2,3, Chao-Yuan Chang4, Chun-Jen Huang5,6,7,8
1Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrate therapeutic potential against psoriasis, primarily due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the specific components within the exosomal cargo, particularly microRNAs, that mediate this activity remain unclear. This study investigated the role of a specific microRNA in mediating the therapeutic effects of exosomes from human placenta MSCs (MSC-exosomes) in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis murine model, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms, particularly the downstream pathways of the specific microRNA. Our small RNA sequencing analysis identified microRNA (miR)-100-5p as a potential target. Adult male Balb/c mice were then randomly assigned to the IMQ, IMQ plus MSC-exosomes (IMQ + Exo), IMQ plus MSC-exosomes treated with a specific miR-100-5p inhibitor (IMQ + Exoi), or IMQ plus agomiR-100-5p group (IMQ + AgomiR) (n = 6 per group). Control groups were also included. Mice were sacrificed, and psoriasis severity was assessed the day after 6 consecutive days of daily IMQ exposure, followed by 7 consecutive days of daily treatment. The IMQ + Exo group exhibited significantly lower epidermal thickness, levels of inflammatory cytokines and psoriasis-related cytokines (interleukin [IL]-12, IL-17, and IL-23), and expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) (the predicted downstream target of miR-100-5p), compared to the IMQ group (all p < 0.05). Notably, inhibition of miR-100-5p nullified these therapeutic effects of MSC-exosomes. This study provides evidence that miR-100-5p plays a crucial role in mediating the therapeutic effects of MSC-exosomes in an IMQ-induced murine psoriasis model, potentially by modulating the mTOR/S6K1 pathway. KEY MESSAGES: • Exosomes from human placental mesenchymal stem sells demonstrate therapeutic potential against psoriasis. • MicroRNA-100-5p plays a crucial role in mediating the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells exosomes in an imiquimod-induced murine psoriasis model, potentially by modulating the mammalian target of rapamycin/S6 kinase 1 pathway.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cell exosomes show promise for psoriasis treatment. MicroRNA-100-5p within these exosomes is key to their anti-inflammatory effects, potentially by regulating the mTOR/S6K1 pathway in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes possess therapeutic potential for psoriasis, attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- The specific exosomal cargo, particularly microRNAs, responsible for these effects requires further elucidation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted psoriasis therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNA-100-5p in mediating the therapeutic effects of human placenta MSC-exosomes in a mouse model of psoriasis.
- To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on the downstream pathways regulated by microRNA-100-5p.
- To validate the therapeutic potential of MSC-exosomes and identify key miRNA components.
Main Methods:
- A small RNA sequencing analysis identified microRNA (miR)-100-5p as a key candidate.
- An imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis murine model was established.
- Mice were treated with MSC-exosomes, miR-100-5p inhibitor, or miR-100-5p agomir, with subsequent assessment of psoriasis severity, cytokine levels, and pathway expression.
Main Results:
- MSC-exosomes significantly reduced epidermal thickness, inflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IL-17, IL-23), and mTOR/S6K1 pathway activation in the IMQ-induced psoriasis model.
- Inhibition of miR-100-5p abolished the therapeutic benefits of MSC-exosomes.
- These findings highlight the critical role of miR-100-5p in mediating the anti-psoriatic effects.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNA-100-5p is a crucial mediator of the therapeutic effects of MSC-exosomes in psoriasis.
- The anti-psoriatic action of MSC-exosomes may involve the modulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) pathway by miR-100-5p.
- These findings support the development of exosome-based therapies for psoriasis, targeting specific microRNAs like miR-100-5p.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
01:22MicroRNAs