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Emerging Roles of Skeletal Muscle-Derived Exosomal miRNAs in Metabolic Regulation: A Perspective

Fei Zhang1,2, Ziwen Wang1,2, Zhong Wang1,2

  • 1Department of General Practice, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

Aging and Disease
|November 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Skeletal muscle releases microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes, impacting metabolism. These exosomal miRNAs from aging muscle disrupt glucose and lipid regulation, offering potential biomarkers for metabolic diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Metabolomics

Background:

  • Skeletal muscle (SKM) functions beyond contraction, acting as a secretory organ.
  • SKM communicates with other tissues via myokines and extracellular vesicles, including exosomes.
  • Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and inter-organ communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of SKM-derived exosomal miRNAs in metabolic regulation.
  • To understand how senescent SKM-derived exosomal miRNAs affect glucose and lipid metabolism.
  • To explore the potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of exosomal miRNAs from skeletal muscle.
  • Investigating the impact of senescent SKM-derived exosomal miRNAs on cellular signaling pathways.
  • Assessing effects on insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism.

Main Results:

  • Exosomal miRNAs from senescent SKM were found to mediate systemic metabolic dysregulation.
  • These miRNAs target critical signaling pathways involved in insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism.
  • SKM-derived exosomal miRNAs play a significant role in inter-organ communication concerning metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • SKM-derived exosomal miRNAs are crucial mediators of metabolic homeostasis.
  • Senescent SKM-derived exosomal miRNAs contribute to metabolic disease development.
  • These exosomal miRNAs represent promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders.

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