Rat Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Loaded with miR-494 Promoting Neurofilament Regeneration and Behavioral Function Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

This research explores the potential of exosomes, tiny vesicles released by cells, to deliver therapeutic molecules to the site of spinal cord injury (SCI). Specifically, it investigates exosomes loaded with microRNA-494 (miR-494), a molecule known to aid in SCI repair. The study found that these modified exosomes (Exo-miR-494) can effectively reduce inflammation and neuronal cell death in the injured area, while also promoting the regeneration of nerve fibers. Animal experiments showed that Exo-miR-494 treatment improved the recovery of motor and behavioral functions in rats with SCI, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach.

• 1
  Exosomes can be effectively loaded with miR-494 using chemical transfection, resulting in a high loading rate and stability, protecting the miRNA from degradation in the body.
• 2
  Exo-miR-494 exhibits a therapeutic effect on dorsal root ganglion cells (DRGs) in vitro by significantly increasing the cell survival rate and modulating the expression of apoptotic proteins.
• 3
  In vivo experiments demonstrated that Exo-miR-494 can home into the spinal cord lesion in rats after tail vein injection, reduce the lesion volume, promote neurofilament regeneration, and improve behavioral function recovery.