Therapeutic potential of exosomal lncRNAs derived from stem cells in wound healing: focusing on mesenchymal stem cells

The self-renewal ability and multipotency of stem cells give them great potential for use in wound healing. Stem cell-derived exosomes, owing to their close biological resemblance to their parent cells, offer a more efficient, safer, and economical approach for facilitating cellular communication and interactions within different environments. This potential makes them particularly valuable in the treatment of both acute and chronic wounds, such as lacerations, burns, and diabetic ulcers. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) enclosed in exosomes, as one of the leading actors of these extracellular microvesicles, through interaction with miRNAs and regulation of various signaling pathways involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and migration, could heal the wounds. Exosome-derived lncRNAs from stem cells facilitate extracellular matrix remodeling through interaction between macrophages and fibroblasts. Moreover, alongside regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, controlling reactive oxygen species levels, and enhancing autophagic activity, they also modulate immune responses to support wound healing. Regulating the expression of genes and signaling pathways related to angiogenesis, by increasing blood supply and accelerating the delivery of essential substances to the wound environment, is another effect exosomal lncRNAs derived from stem cells for wound healing. These lncRNAs can also enhance skin wound healing by regulating homeostasis, increasing the proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in the wound-healing process, and enhancing fibroblast viability and migration to the injury site. Ultimately, exosome-derived lncRNAs from stem cells offer valuable and novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying improved wound healing. They can pave the way for potential therapeutic strategies, fostering further research for a better future. Meanwhile, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells, due to their exceptional regenerative properties, as well as the lncRNAs derived from these exosomes, have emerged as one of the innovative tools in wound healing. This review article aims to narrate the cellular and molecular roles of exosome-derived lncRNAs from stem cells in enhancing wound healing with a focus on mesenchymal stem cells.