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MicroRNA profiles in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles across the human lifespan
C Ráez-Meseguer1,2,3, C Navas-Enamorado4, X Capó3,4
1Group of Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering (TERCIT, Research Institute on Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.
Npj Aging
|February 14, 2026
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from older adults show distinct miRNA signatures linked to muscle and metabolic aging. These findings suggest EVs may serve as biomarkers for biological aging and functional decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and molecular biology
- Intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs)
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for cell-to-cell communication.
- Physiological changes during aging can be reflected in EVs.
- Understanding age-related EV alterations is key for biomarker development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in plasma-derived EVs.
- To identify specific miRNA signatures associated with aging.
- To explore the potential of EVs as biomarkers for biological aging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma-derived EVs from a healthy aging cohort.
- Utilized size exclusion chromatography, surface profiling, nanoparticle tracking, and small RNA sequencing.
- Stratified cohort by age to identify age-dependent differences.
Main Results:
- EV size and concentration were stable, but immunophenotype shifted with age, indicating immunosenescence.
- Distinct miRNA signatures were observed in older individuals, enriched in muscle-specific and metabolism-related miRNAs (e.g., miR-206, miR-143-3p).
- Elevated miR-6529-5p (neuroprotection-associated) and correlations between EV markers and biological aging indicators (GDF-15, visceral fat, muscle quality) were found.
Conclusions:
- Coordinated age-related changes in EVs reflect musculoskeletal and metabolic aging.
- EVs harbor distinct miRNA profiles associated with aging.
- Plasma-derived EVs show promise as minimally invasive biomarkers for biological aging and functional decline.
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