microRNA-106b derived from endothelial cell-secreted extracellular vesicles prevents skin wound healing by inhibiting JMJD3 and RIPK3

Intriguingly, microRNAs (miRs) transferred as cargo in extracellular vesicles (EVs) can modulate wound healing through their regulation of fibroblast functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR-106b transfer via EVs derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on skin wound healing. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay identified that miR-106b could target and inhibit JMJD3. RT-qPCR analysis showed EVs isolated from HUVECs had enriched expression of miR-106b. LL29 fibroblast cells and HaCaT keratinocytes were co-cultured with HUVEC-derived EVs, in which miR-106b had been up-regulated or down-regulated by its mimic or inhibitor. The co-culture with HUVEC-derived EVs increased miR-106b expression, and reduced the viability and adhesion of LL29 and HaCaT cells, whereas the inhibition of miR-106b in HUVEC-derived EVs enhanced the viability and adhesion of LL29 and HaCaT cells through up-regulation of JMJD3. Next, we showed that JMJD3 overexpression enhanced LL29 and HaCaT cell viability and adhesion through elevating RIPK3, which induced the phosphorylation of AKT during the wound-healing process. We next developed a mouse skin wound model to investigate the actions of miR-106b in vivo after 14 days. The delivery of miR-106b via HUVEC-derived EVs delayed wound healing through suppression of collagen I content and angiogenesis, but had no effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, miR-106b from HUVEC-derived EVs inhibits JMJD3 and RIPK3, leading to the inhibition of skin wound healing, thus constituting a new therapeutic target.

Automated summary

The study showed that miR-106b delivered via EVs derived from HUVECs inhibits skin wound healing by suppressing JMJD3 and RIPK3, providing a new therapeutic target for wound healing.