Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-023-02110-y · Published: September 15, 2023
This study investigates how pericytes, cells that support blood vessels, can help repair damage after a spinal cord injury (SCI). The focus is on exosomes, tiny vesicles released by pericytes, and their role in improving the function of blood vessels in the injured spinal cord. The study found that exosomes released by pericytes contain a specific molecule called miR-210-5p. This molecule appears to improve the function of mitochondria (the cell's power plants) and reduce lipid peroxidation (a type of cell damage) in the blood vessels of the spinal cord. The researchers suggest that miR-210-5p works by activating a specific signaling pathway (JAK1/STAT3), which helps restore the barrier function of blood vessels in the spinal cord. This could potentially lead to new treatments for SCI.
The discovery of miR-210-5p's role in restoring the blood-spinal cord barrier presents a novel therapeutic target for SCI.
Pericyte-derived exosomes, enriched with miR-210-5p, may be developed as a therapeutic agent to promote vascular repair and functional recovery after SCI.
This study enhances our understanding of the interplay between pericytes and endothelial cells in the context of SCI, which can guide the development of targeted therapies.