Schwann cell-derived exosomes induce bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to express Schwann cell markers in vitro

Following peripheral nerve injury, factors in the local microenvironment can induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into Schwann cells; however, the specific factors that participate in this process remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Schwann cell-derived exosomes in the differentiation of BMSCs into Schwann cells. Exosomes were extracted from Schwann cells or fibroblasts and co-cultured with BMSCs. The morphology, as well as gene and protein expressions of the BMSCs were measured to determine the effect of exosomes on cell differentiation. The levels of Schwann cell-specific markers in BMSCs were significantly increased by Schwann cell-derived exosomes compared with untreated BMSCs; however, fibroblast-derived exosomes did not demonstrate the same effects. In conclusion, Schwann cell-derived exosomes may be involved in the differentiation of BMSCs into Schwann cells, which may provide a novel target for promoting nerve regeneration following injury.