Exosomes: mediators regulating the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis

Cell Commun Signal. 2022 Oct 11;20(1):153. doi: 10.1186/s12964-022-00949-6.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of human mortality worldwide, mainly due to atherosclerosis (AS), and the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key event in the development of AS. Exosomes contain a variety of specific nucleic acids and proteins that mediate intercellular communication. The role of exosomes in AS has attracted attention. This review uses the VSMC phenotypic transition in AS as the entry point, introduces the effect of exosomes on AS from different perspectives, and discusses the status quo, deficiencies, and potential future directions in this field to provide new ideas for clinical research and treatment of AS. Video Abstract.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Exosomes; Phenotypic transition; Vascular smooth muscle cells.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Video-Audio Media
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis* / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism
  • Nucleic Acids* / metabolism
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • Nucleic Acids