Long Non-coding RNA H19-Overexpressing Exosomes Ameliorate UVB-Induced Photoaging by Upregulating SIRT1 Via Sponging miR-138

Pterostilbene and resveratrol: Exploring their protective mechanisms against skin photoaging - A scoping review

Prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure depletes the skin's endogenous antioxidants, leading to photoaging. Exogenous antioxidants are essential to counter this, with stilbenes such as pterostilbene and resveratrol emerging as promising candidates due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The current scoping review presents an overview of the evidence on the effects of pterostilbene and resveratrol on skin photoaging. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in April 2025. Original research articles that investigated the effects of pterostilbene and resveratrol on skin photoaging in cells, animals, or humans were included. 9 eligible articles were included in this review. The findings suggest that resveratrol significantly improves skin photoaging, while preliminary evidence indicates that pterostilbene may offer advantages over resveratrol. However, due to the limited research on pterostilbene, further studies are required to confirm its efficacy. Key considerations in establishing valid in vitro and in vivo models, alongside macroscopic and histologic features of photoaging, were also discussed. In conclusion, while resveratrol shows significant promise in combating skin photoaging, pterostilbene is still in the early exploration phases. Advancing to human trials is crucial to confirm the efficacy of these stilbenes in preventing and treating photoaging.

Extracellular vesicles in age-related diseases: disease pathogenesis, intervention, and biomarker

Aging is a multifactorial biological process characterized by the irreversible accumulation of molecular damage, leading to an increased risk of age-related diseases. With the global prominent rise in aging populations, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the aging process and developing strategies to combat age-related diseases have become a pressing priority. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained significant attention due to their role in intercellular communication. EVs are known for their ability to deliver biocargoes, such as miRNA, proteins, and lipids, implicating their involvement in disease pathogenesis and intervention. In this review article, we explore the dual role of EVs in age-related diseases: contributing to the pathogenesis of diseases by transferring deleterious molecules, while also offering therapeutic ability by transferring beneficial molecules. We also highlight the application of EVs as biomarkers for early diagnosis of age-related diseases, paving the way for early intervention and precision medicine. Additionally, we discuss how analysing the composition of EVs cargo can provide insights into disease progression. Finally, we address the challenges and future perspectives of EV-based-therapy in clinical translation, including standardization of EVs isolation methods and improving cargo specificity.

Advanced progress of adipose-derived stem cells-related biomaterials in maxillofacial regeneration

The tissue injury in maxillofacial region affects patients' physical function and specific mental health. This decade, utilizing regenerative medicine to achieve tissue regeneration has been proved a hopeful direction. Seed cells play a vital role in regeneration strategy. Among various kinds of stem cells that effectively to regenerate the soft and hard tissue of maxillofacial region, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have gained increasing interests of researchers due to their abundant sources, easy availability and multi-differentiation potentials in recent decades. Thus, this review focuses on the advances of ADSCs-based biomaterial in maxillofacial regeneration from the progress and strategies perspective. It is structured as introducing the properties of ADSCs, biomaterials (polymers, ceramics and metals) within ADSCs and the latest applications of ADSCs in maxillofacial regeneration, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ), bone, periodontal tissue, tooth, nerve as well as cosmetic field. In order to further facilitate ADSCs-based therapies as an emerging platform for regenerative medicine, this review also emphasized current challenges in translating ADSC-based therapies into clinical application and dissussed the strategies to solve these obstacles.

Effect and Mechanism of Tricholoma matsutake Extract on UVA and UVB Radiation-Induced Skin Aging

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation often causes skin aging, inflammation, cancer and other related skin diseases. In this study, the main components of Tricholoma matsutake extract (TME) were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and their anti-photoaging effects were assessed through UV-induced cell and animal models. The key components identified were D-mannitol (27.41%), DL-malic acid (14%), alginate (12.5%), isoleucine (4.82%), and phenylalanine (4.31%), all of which played roles in anti-aging and UV protection. TME (50-100 mg/ml) significantly alleviated UVA/UVB-induced erythema and wrinkles in mice. Pathological staining showed that TME suppressed UV-induced epidermal hyperplasia (p < 0.05), reduced collagen damage (p < 0.01), and decreased mast cell infiltration (p < 0.01), while down-regulating inflammatory markers such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. TME also upregulated type I collagen (COL-1). Flow cytometry results demonstrated that high-dose TME inhibited UV-induced apoptosis and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HaCaT cells (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence and scratch migration assays showed that TME promoted PPAR-α expression, reduced inflammation, and supported skin repair (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that TME regulated inflammation-related signaling pathways, helping to prevent skin aging. TME is a promising natural product for skin care and treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.

The role of lncRNA in the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells: from functions to mechanism

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have become one of the best seed cells widely studied and concerned in tissue engineering because of their rich sources and excellent multi-directional differentiation ability, which are expected to play a practical application role in tissue defect, osteoporosis, plastic surgery, and other fields. However, the differentiation direction of ADSCs is regulated by complex factors. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules longer than 500 nucleotides that do not encode proteins and can act as signaling RNAs in response to intracellular and extracellular stimuli. Recently, accumulating evidence has revealed that lncRNAs could regulate the cell cycle and differentiation direction of ADSCs through various mechanisms, including histone modification, binding to RNA-binding proteins, and regulating the expression of miRNAs. Therefore, enriching and elucidating its mechanism of action as well as targeting lncRNAs to regulate ADSCs differentiation have potential prospects in tissue regeneration applications such as bone, blood vessels, and adipose. In this review, we summarize the role and mechanism of lncRNAs and its complexes in the multi-directional differentiation of ADSCs and discuss some potential approaches that can exert therapeutic effects on tissue defects by modulating the expression level of lncRNAs in ADSCs. Our work might provide some new research directions for the clinical applications of tissue engineering.

The functional regulation between extracellular vesicles and the DNA damage responses

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a crucial regulatory mechanism for the survival of organisms, and irregularity of DDR may contribute to the development of various diseases, including tumors, making it is a prominent topic in therapeutic research. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as important mediators of intercellular communication, have been extensively studied in recent years. Notably, an increasing number of studies have revealed a strong connection between DDR and EVs. On one hand, DNA damage affects the release of EVs and their compositional content; on the other hand, EVs can dictate cell survival or death by modulating DDR in both the parental and the recipient cells. This review outlines current progress in the inter-regulatory relationship between EVs and DDR, with special emphasis on the effects of EVs derived from various sources on DDR in recipient cells. In addition, the potential applications of EVs in research and tumor therapy are discussed.

Human Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Attenuate UVB-Induced Photoaging via the miR-125b-5p/TGF-β1/Smad Axis

Cutaneous photoaging, induced by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically manifests as alterations in both the physical appearance and functional properties of the skin and may predispose individuals to cancer development. Recent studies have demonstrated the reparative potential of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in addressing skin damage, while specific reports highlight their efficacy in ameliorating skin photoaging. However, the precise role of exosomes derived from human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HFMSC-Exos) in the context of cutaneous photoaging remains largely unexplored. We successfully isolated HFMSC-Exos using the ultracentrifugation technique. In cellular experiments, we assessed the migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) through scratch and transwell assays, evaluated the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells through angiogenesis assays, and examined the expression levels of collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) using Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we established a nude mouse model of photoaging to observe wrinkle formation on the dorsal surface of the animals, as well as to assess dermal thickness and collagen fiber generation through histological staining. Ultimately, we performed RNA sequencing on skin tissues from mice before and after treatment to elucidate the relevant underlying mechanisms. Our findings revealed that HFMSC-Exos effectively enhanced the migration and proliferation of HDFs and upregulated the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), p-Smad2/p-Smad3, collagen type 1, and collagen type 3 while concurrently down-regulating MMP-1 levels in HDFs. Additionally, mice in the HFMSC-Exo group showed quicker wrinkle healing and increased collagen production. HFMSC-Exos miR-125b-5p was demonstrated to reduce skin photoaging by increasing profibrotic levels via TGF-β1 expression. UV-irradiated HDFs and photoaged nude mouse skin showed low TGF-β1 expressions, whereas overexpression of TGF-β1 in HDFs increased collagen type 1, collagen type 3, and p-Smad2/p-Smad3 expressions while decreasing MMP-1 expression. HDFs overexpressing TGF-β1 produced more collagen and altered the Smad pathway. This study demonstrated, both in vitro and in vivo, that HFMSC-Exos increased collagen formation, promoted HDF cell proliferation and migration, and reversed the senescence of UV-irradiated HDFs. TGF-β1 was identified as a target of HFMSC-Exos miR-125b-5p, which controls photoaging via regulating the Smad pathway. The antiphotoaging capabilities of HFMSC-Exos may occur via the miR-125b-5p/TGF-β1/Smad axis, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach for treating skin photoaging.

MiR-4298 and lncKRTAP5-6-3 regulated Cathepsin D expression through ERK-MAPK signaling pathway in chronic UVB-damaged HaCaT cells

Objective

MiRNAs and lncRNAs are important regulators in the process of skin photoaging. In this study, we investigated the expression changes and interactions between miR4298 and lncKRTAP5-6-3 in chronically UVB-damaged human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells and explored miR4298-MAPK/ERK signaling pathway-Cathepsin D-lncKRTAP5-6-3 mechanisms in photoaging cells.

Methods

HaCaT cells were irradiated with 12 mJ/cm2 UVB once a day for 7 days. miR-4298 mimics and miR-4298 inhibitors were transfected into HaCaT cells by lipo3000 transfection reagent, and the HaCaT cells were divided into three groups: blank control group; UVB-damaged group; and UVB damage+miR-4298 regulation (overexpression or inhibition) group. The expression levels of miR4298 and lncKRTAP5-6-3 were quantitatively analyzed using RT-PCR, while the expression of Cathepsin D and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway proteins was detected using Western blot.

Results

After 7 consecutive days of UVB irradiation, the expression of miR-4298 decreased by 0.64 ± 0.06 (P < 0.001) compared to the un-irradiated HaCaT cells, and the expression of the KRTAP5-6-3 decreased by 0.80 ± 0.13 (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The expression of p-ERK signaling was increased by 0.9437 ± 0.1186 (P < 0.0001), and Cathepsin D was decreased by 0.6163 ± 0.075 (P < 0.0001). In HaCaT cells transfected with miR-4298 mimics and then irradiated by UVB for 7 days, the expression of lncKRTAP5-6-3 was increased to 0.5114 ± 0.1438 (P < 0.05)-fold, and the phosphorylation level of ERK signaling was decreased by 0.3880 ± 0.1185 (P < 0.01), while Cathepsin D expression was increased by 0.2617 ± 0.0749 (P < 0.0001) compared to the UVB-damaged group. In HaCaT cells transfected with miR-4298 inhibitors and then irradiated by UVB for 7 days, lncKRTAP5-6-3 was decreased by 0.1697 ± 0.1383, the phosphorylation level of ERK signaling was increased by 1.096 ± 0.7836 (P < 0.05), while Cathepsin D expression was decreased by 0.05197 ± 0.24827 compared to the UVB-damaged group.

Conclusion

The synergistic effects of miR4298 and lncKRTAP5-6-3 play important roles in chronic UVB-damaged HaCaT cells by regulating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and Cathepsin D expression. This study presents novel targets for intervening in chronic ultraviolet damage (photoaging) skin and UV-related dermatoses.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Regenerative Applications and Radiotherapy

Tissue repair is an extremely crucial part of clinical treatment. During the course of disease treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy cause tissue damage. On the other hand, Normal tissue from accidental or therapeutic exposure to high-dose radiation can cause severe tissue damage. There is an urgent need for developing medical countermeasures against radiation injury for tissue repair. Tissue repair involves the regeneration, proliferation, differentiation, and migration of tissue cells; imbalance of local tissue homeostasis, progressive chronic inflammation; decreased cell activity and stem cell function; and wound healing. Although many clinical treatments are currently available for tissue repair, they are expensive. The long recovery time and some unavoidable complications such as cell damage and the inflammatory reaction caused by radiotherapy have led to unsatisfactory results. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have similar tissue repair functions as MSCs. In tissue damage, EVs can be used as an alternative to stem cell therapy, thereby avoiding related complications such as immunological rejection. EVs play a major role in regulating tissue damage, anti-inflammation, pro-proliferation, and immune response, thus providing a diversified and efficient solution for the repair of disease- and radiotherapy-induced tissue damage. This article reviews the research progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in promoting the repair of tissue including heart, lung, liver, intestine, skin, blood system, central nervous system, and tissue damage caused by radiotherapy, thereby aiming to offer new directions and ideas for the radiotherapy and regenerative applications.

M6A demethylase FTO-stabilized exosomal circBRCA1 alleviates oxidative stress-induced granulosa cell damage via the miR-642a-5p/FOXO1 axis

BACKGROUND

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an important cause of female infertility and seriously impacts the physical and psychological health of patients. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (HucMSCs-Exs, H-Exs) have exhibited protective effects on ovarian function with unclear mechanisms.

METHODS

A comprehensive analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to identify POI-associated circRNAs and miRNAs. The relationship between HucMSC-derived exosomal circBRCA1/miR-642a-5p/FOXO1 axis and POI was examined by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, senescence-associated β-gal (SA-β-gal) staining, JC-1 staining, TEM, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) measurements and ATP assay in vivo and in vitro. RT-qPCR detected the expression of circBRCA1 in GCs and serum of patients with normal ovarian reserve function (n = 50) and patients with POI (n = 50); then, the correlation of circBRCA1 with ovarian reserve function indexes was analyzed.

RESULTS

Herein, we found that circBRCA1 was decreased in the serum and ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of patients with POI and was associated with decreased ovarian reserve. H-Exs improved the disorder of the estrous cycles and reproductive hormone levels, reduced the number of atretic follicles, and alleviated the apoptosis and senescence of GCs in rats with POI. Moreover, H-Exs mitigated mitochondrial damage and reversed the reduced circBRCA1 expression induced by oxidative stress in GCs. Mechanistically, FTO served as an eraser to increase the stability and expression of circBRCA1 by mediating the m6A demethylation of circBRCA1, and exosomal circBRCA1 sponged miR-642a-5p to block its interaction with FOXO1. CircBRCA1 insufficiency aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction, mimicking FTO or FOXO1 depletion effects, which was counteracted by miR-642a-5p inhibition.

CONCLUSION

H-Exs secreted circBRCA1 regulated by m6A modification, directly sponged miR-642a-5p to upregulate FOXO1, resisted oxidative stress injuries in GCs and protected ovarian function in rats with POI. Exosomal circBRCA1 supplementation may be a general prospect for the prevention and treatment of POI.

miR-1246-overexpressing exosomes improve UVB-induced photoaging by activating autophagy via suppressing GSK3β

Stem cell paracrine has shown potential application in skin wound repair and photoaging treatment. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-1246-overexpressing Exosomes (OE-EXs) isolated from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) showed superior photo-protecting effects on UVB-induced photoaging than that of the vector, however, the underlying mechanism was unclear. The simultaneous bioinformatics analysis indicated that miR-1246 showed potential binding sites with GSK3β which acted as a negative regulator for autophagy. This study was aimed to explore whether OE-EXs ameliorate skin photoaging by activating autophagy via targeting GSK3β. The results demonstrated that OE-EXs significantly decreased GSK3β expression, enhanced autophagy flux and autophagy-related proteins like LC3II, while suppressed p62 expression. Meanwhile, OE-EXs markedly reversed the levels of intracellular ROS, MMP-1, procollagen type I and DNA damage in human skin fibroblasts caused by UVB irradiation, but the ameliorating effects were significantly inhibited when 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) was introduced to block the autophagy pathway. Further, OE-EXs could reverse UVB-induced wrinkles, epidermal hyperplasia, and collagen fibers reduction in Kunming mice, nevertheless, the therapeutical effects of OE-EXs were attenuated when it was combinative treated with 3-MA. In conclusion, OE-EXs could cure UVB induced skin photoaging by activating autophagy via targeting GSK3β.

Genetically engineered loaded extracellular vesicles for drug delivery

The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for drug delivery is being widely explored by scientists from several research fields. To fully exploit their therapeutic potential, multiple methods for loading EVs have been developed. Although exogenous methods have been extensively utilized, in recent years the endogenous method has gained significant attention. This approach, based on parental cell genetic engineering, is suitable for loading large therapeutic biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. We review the most commonly used EV loading methods and emphasize the inherent advantages of the endogenous method over the others. We also examine the most recent advances and applications of this innovative approach to inform on the diverse therapeutic opportunities that lie ahead in the field of EV-based therapies.

Exosomes in skin photoaging: biological functions and therapeutic opportunity

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types, which are filled with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (non-coding RNAs, mRNA, DNA), can be released by donor cells to subsequently modulate the function of recipient cells. Skin photoaging is the premature aging of the skin structures over time due to repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) which is evidenced by dyspigmentation, telangiectasias, roughness, rhytides, elastosis, and precancerous changes. Exosomes are associated with aging-related processes including, oxidative stress, inflammation, and senescence. Anti-aging features of exosomes have been implicated in various in vitro and pre-clinical studies. Stem cell-derived exosomes can restore skin physiological function and regenerate or rejuvenate damaged skin tissue through various mechanisms such as decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), increased collagen and elastin production, and modulation of intracellular signaling pathways as well as, intercellular communication. All these evidences are promising for the therapeutic potential of exosomes in skin photoaging. This review aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms and the effects of exosomes in photoaging.