Adipose-derived stem cell exosome NFIC improves diabetic foot ulcers by regulating miR-204-3p/HIPK2

J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 Sep 14;18(1):687. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-04165-x.

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a serious complication of diabetes that lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Recent studies reported that exosomes secreted by human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) might alleviate DFU development. However, the molecular mechanism of ADSCs-derived exosomes in DFU is far from being addressed.

Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were induced by high-glucose (HG), which were treated with exosomes derived from nuclear factor I/C (NFIC)-modified ADSCs. MicroRNA-204-3p (miR-204-3p), homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2), and NFIC were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis were assessed using cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, wound healing, and tube formation assays. Binding between miR-204-3p and NFIC or HIPK2 was predicted using bioinformatics tools and validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. HIPK2, NFIC, CD81, and CD63 protein levels were measured using western blot. Exosomes were identified by a transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analysis.

Results: miR-204-3p and NFIC were reduced, and HIPK2 was enhanced in DFU patients and HG-treated HUVECs. miR-204-3p overexpression might abolish HG-mediated HUVEC proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, HIPK2 acted as a target of miR-204-3p. Meanwhile, NFIC was an upstream transcription factor that might bind to the miR-204-3p promoter and improve its expression. NFIC-exosome from ADSCs might regulate HG-triggered HUVEC injury through miR-204-3p-dependent inhibition of HIPK2.

Conclusion: Exosomal NFIC silencing-loaded ADSC sheet modulates miR-204-3p/HIPK2 axis to suppress HG-induced HUVEC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, providing a stem cell-based treatment strategy for DFU.

Keywords: ADSC; Diabetic foot ulcers; HIPK2; HUVEC; NFIC; miR-204-3p.

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Foot* / genetics
  • Diabetic Foot* / therapy
  • Endothelial Cells
  • Exosomes*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • NFI Transcription Factors
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Stem Cells

Substances

  • NFI Transcription Factors
  • MicroRNAs
  • HIPK2 protein, human
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • NFIC protein, human
  • MIRN204 microRNA, human