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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

A Simple Benchtop Filtration Method to Isolate Small Extracellular Vesicles from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: June 23, 2022
Beyond preclinical promise: can mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles reliably target tubular
Linrong Pan1,2, Sergio G Garcia1,2, Miriam Font-Morón1
1REMAR-IGTP Group Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) and Nephrology Department, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTiP), Badalona 08916, Spain.
Abstract:
Kidney disease, encompassing both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), represents a major global health challenge. A pivotal aspect of the pathogenesis of these conditions is damage to renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), which contributes to maladaptive repair mechanisms and fibrosis. Due to their essential role, TECs are regarded as a promising target for innovative therapeutic strategies. Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have attracted increasing attention for their therapeutic potential in kidney disease, with extensive literature documenting their beneficial effects on TEC damage through targeted mechanisms. In this review, we critically examine the existing literature on the targeting of TECs by MSC-EVs in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Furthermore, we highlight the limitations and potential of MSC-EV-based strategies for TEC targeting, aiming to provide insights for future clinical trials and therapeutic applications.
Insights
Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) show promise for treating kidney disease by protecting renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs). This review explores MSC-EVs
Area of Science:
- Nephrology and Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology and Extracellular Vesicles
Background:
- Kidney disease, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a significant global health issue.
- Damage to renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) is central to kidney disease pathogenesis, leading to fibrosis.
- TECs are a key therapeutic target for novel treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on targeting TECs with MSC-EVs for kidney disease.
- To analyze the efficacy of MSC-EVs in both in vitro and in vivo models.
- To discuss the potential and limitations of MSC-EV-based therapies for TEC protection.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies investigating MSC-EVs and TECs.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo experimental data.
- Critical evaluation of current research findings.
Main Results:
- MSC-EVs demonstrate beneficial effects on TECs in various kidney disease models.
- Evidence supports targeted mechanisms by which MSC-EVs protect TECs.
- The literature indicates significant therapeutic potential for MSC-EVs.
Conclusions:
- MSC-EVs represent a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for kidney diseases.
- Targeting TECs with MSC-EVs offers a viable approach for regenerative medicine in nephrology.
- Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize MSC-EV applications.
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells
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