Exosomal circ-RBM23 sponging miR-139-5p to promote liver regeneration through RRM2/AKT/mTOR pathway

Abstract BackgroundExosomes are small nano-size membrane vesicles and are involved in intercellular interaction. Here, we examined if exosomes obtained from human placental stem cells promote liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. MethodsExosomes generated from primary human placental stem cells were isolated and characterized. Cell co-culture model was used to clarify whether exosomes can induce hepatocytes proliferation in vitro . Partial hepatectomy mouse model was used to evaluate whether exosomes can promote hepatocytes proliferation in vivo . ResultsIt is found that human placental-derived stem cells exosomes (hPDSCs-exo) can induce hepatocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo . Mechanistically, exosomal circ-RBM23 served as a ceRNA for miR-139-5p, regulated RRM2 and accelerated proliferation through AKT/mTOR pathways. Ablation of exosomal circ-RBM23 suppressed the proliferative effect of exosomes. ConclusionsThe hPMSCs exosomal circ-RBM23 stimulated cell proliferation and liver regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy by regulated RRM2. Our findings highlight a potential novel therapeutic avenue for liver regeneration after hepatectomy.