Exosome-loading miR-205: a two-pronged approach to ocular neovascularization therapy

Abstract Pathological neovascularization is a hallmark of many vision-threatening diseases. However, some patients exhibit poor responses to current anti-VEGF therapies due to resistance and limited efficacy. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of noncoding RNAs in various biological processes...

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Main Authors: Hui-ying Zhang, Qiu-yang Zhang, Qing Liu, Si-guo Feng, Yan Ma, Feng-sheng Wang, Yue Zhu, Jin Yao, Biao Yan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Nanobiotechnology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-024-03079-y
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Summary:Abstract Pathological neovascularization is a hallmark of many vision-threatening diseases. However, some patients exhibit poor responses to current anti-VEGF therapies due to resistance and limited efficacy. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of noncoding RNAs in various biological processes, paving the way for RNA-based therapeutics. In this study, we report a marked down-regulation of miR-205 under pathological conditions. miR-205 potently inhibits endothelial cell functions critical for pathological neovascularization, including proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Furthermore, miR-205 strengthens the endothelial barrier, thereby reducing vascular leakage. In mouse models of retinal and choroidal neovascularization, miR-205 administration effectively suppresses abnormal blood vessel formation and leakage. Mechanistically, miR-205 directly targets VEGFA and ANGPT2, which are key drivers of pathological neovascularization. To improve delivery, we successfully loaded miR-205 into exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells. This innovative approach avoids cytotoxicity while preserving therapeutic efficacy in both cellular and animal models. Collectively, our findings highlight miR-205 as a promising therapeutic for ocular neovascularization, with exosome delivery offering a novel and efficient strategy for treating vision-threatening vascular diseases. Graphical Abstract
ISSN:1477-3155