"Engineering of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes with miR-132 to Increase Angiogenesis"
Host Mentor: Jan Nolta, Ph.D.
UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures
Peripheral arterial disease is an ischemic tissue related disorder characterized by a lack of adequate blood flow to the extremities. This occurs when the artery is blocked, typically as a result of atherosclerosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to be a possible therapeutic for ischemic diseases through their ability to secrete pro-angiogenic signals. Recently, it was shown that exosomes isolated from these MSC are key components in the delivery of pro-angiogenic factors. MSC exosomes have been shown to increase angiogenesis of endothelial cells in vitro as well as in vivo using mice models of peripheral arterial disease. In this study, bone marrow MSC derived exosomes were engineered to have an increased concentration of the pro-angiogenic microRNA, miR-132. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with these miR-132 exosomes in vitro. Through fluorescence microscopy we confirmed that the endothelial cells were able to uptake the exosomal contents of the engineered exosomes. The cells that up took the exosomal contents from either the miR-132 engineered exosomes or wild type exosomes displayed increased cell proliferation as well as increased angiogenic capabilities. The results of this study highlight the importance of exosomes in how mesenchymal stem cells confer a proangiogenic effect.