Anti-stroke biologics: from recombinant proteins to stem cells and organoids

Therapeutic potential of microglia-derived extracellular vesicles in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a debilitating neurological disorder with limited treatment options. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as crucial lipid bilayer particles derived from various cell types that facilitate intercellular communication and enable the exchange of proteins, lipids, and genetic material. Microglia are resident brain cells that play a crucial role in brain development, maintenance of neuronal networks, and injury repair. They secrete numerous extracellular vesicles in different states. Recent evidence indicates that microglia-derived extracellular vesicles (M-EVs) actively participate in mediating various biological processes, such as neuroprotection and neurorepair, in stroke, making them an excellent therapeutic approach for treating this condition. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest research on M-EVs in stroke and explores their potential as novel therapeutic targets for this disorder. Additionally, it provides an overview of the effects and functions of M-EVs on stroke recovery to facilitate the development of clinically relevant therapies for IS.

Up-regulation of miR-126 via DNA methylation in hypoxia-preconditioned endothelial cells may contribute to hypoxic tolerance of neuronal cells

BACKGROUND

Endothelial cells (ECs) can confer neuroprotection by secreting molecules. This study aimed to investigate whether DNA methylation contributes to the neuroprotective gene expression induced by hypoxia preconditioning (HPC) in ECs and to clarify that the secretion of molecules from HPC ECs may be one of the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection.

METHODS

Human microvascular endothelial cell-1 (HMEC-1) was cultured under normal conditions (C), hypoxia(H), and hypoxia preconditioning (HPC), followed by the isolation of culture medium (CM). SY5Y cell incubated with the isolated CM from HMEC-1 was exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), global methylation level, miR-126 and its promotor DNA methylation level in HMEC-1 were measured. The cell viability and cell injury in SY5Y were detected.

RESULTS

HPC decreased DNMTs level and global methylation level as well as increased miR-126 expression in HMEC-1. CM from HPC treated HMEC-1 also relieved SY5Y cell damage, while CM from HMEC-1 which over-expression of miR-126 can reduce injury in SY5Y under OGD condition.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate EC may secrete molecules, such as miR-126, to execute neuroprotection induced by HPC through regulating the expression of DNMTs.

What is the role of microbial biotechnology and genetic engineering in medicine?

Microbial products are essential for developing various therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, anticancer drugs, vaccines, and therapeutic enzymes. Genetic engineering techniques, functional genomics, and synthetic biology unlock previously uncharacterized natural products. This review highlights major advances in microbial biotechnology, focusing on gene-based technologies for medical applications.