The Revolution of exosomes: From biological functions to therapeutic applications in skeletal muscle diseases

Abstract

Skeletal muscle diseases, a broad category encompassing a myriad of afflictions such as acute muscle injury and muscular dystrophies, pose a significant health burden globally. These conditions often lead to muscle weakness, compromised mobility, and a diminished quality of life. In light of this, innovative and effective therapeutic strategies are fervently sought after. Exosomes, naturally extracellular vesicles with a diameter of 30–150 nm, pervade biological fluids. These microscopic entities harbor a host of biological molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, bearing a significant resemblance to their parent cells. The roles they play in the biological theater are manifold, influencing crucial physiological and pathological processes within the organism. In the context of skeletal muscle diseases, their potential extends beyond these roles, as they present a promising therapeutic target and a vehicle for targeted drug delivery. This potentially paves the way for significant clinical applications. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning exosome action, their myriad biological functions, and the strides made in exosome research and application. A comprehensive exploration of the part played by exosomes in skeletal muscle repair and regeneration is undertaken. In addition, we delve into the use of exosomes in the therapeutic landscape of skeletal muscle diseases, providing a valuable reference for a deeper understanding of exosome applications in this realm. The concluding section encapsulates the prospective avenues for exosome research and the promising future they hold, underscoring the tremendous potential these diminutive vesicles possess in the field of skeletal muscle diseases.

The Translational Potential of this Article.

The comprehensive exploration of exosome's diverse biological functions and translational potential in the context of skeletal muscle diseases presented in this review underscores their promising future as a therapeutic target with significant clinical applications, thus paving the way for innovative and effective therapeutic strategies in this realm.