Objective: To investigate the function of miR-126-3p loaded on adipose stem cell (ADSC)-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) in wound healing of full-thickness skin defects.
Methods: ADSCs transfected with miR-126-3p mimic, miR-126-3p inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-PIK3R2, or PKH26-marked ADSC-Exos were cultured with fibroblasts or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The proliferation and migration rates of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs were measured. Rats with full-thickness skin defects were injected with ADSC-Exos or exosomes extracted from ADSCs transfected with miR-126-3p inhibitor and the wound healing rates were measured. The wound bed, collagen deposition and angiogenesis in injured rats were assessed.
Results: ADSC-Exos could be ingested by fibroblasts and HUVECs. Co-incubation with ADSCs or ADSC-Exos promoted the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs, which was further enhanced by miR-126-3p overexpression. Inhibition of ADSC-Exos or miR-126-3p or PIK3R2 overexpression suppressed the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs. ADSC-derived exosomal miR-126-3p increased wound healing rate, collagen deposition and newly formed vessels in the injured rats.
Conclusion: ADSC-derived exosomal miR-126-3p promotes wound healing of full-thickness skin defects by targeting PIK3R2.
Keywords: PIK3R2; adipose stem cell exosome; full-thickness skin defect; miR-126-3p; wound healing.
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.