Microparticles and microRNAs of endothelial progenitor cells ameliorate acute kidney injury

摘要

Horizontal information transfer between cells via microparticles is a newly identified communication system. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and are detected in microparticles. Cantaluppi et al. suggest that microparticles derived from circulating angiogenic cells—’endothelial progenitor cells’ (EPCs)—harbor endothelial-protective miRNAs such as miR-126 and that delivery of EPC-derived microparticles during acute kidney ischemia–reperfusion in rats ameliorates kidney dysfunction and damage. We highlight the importance, potential future impact, and limitations of this study.