EFFECTS OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES IN REPAIR OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC RENAL INJURY

Abstract

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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) appear as important actors in cell-to-cell communication. EV content is characterized by proteins and RNA species that dynamically reflect cell and tissue state. Urinary EVs in particular may act in inter-nephron communication with possible beneficial or detrimental effects. Increasing interest is addressed to the pharmacological properties of EVs as a cell-free therapy, since several of the effects attributed to stem cells have been recapitulated by administration of their EVs. Preclinical data in models of renal damage indicate a general regenerative potential of EVs derived from mesenchymal stromal cells of different sources including bone marrow, fetal tissues, urine and kidney. In my presentation, I will discuss the results on the effect of EVs in repair of acute and chronic renal injury, and the mechanisms involved. In addition, I will analyze the strategies for EV pharmacological applications in renal regenerative medicine as well as the limitations and benefits.