Emerging role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the repair of acute kidney injury

Figure 1 Sources of mesenchymal stem cells and molecular factors delivered by mesenchymal stem cell exosomes. Mesenchymal stem cells can come from a variety of tissues and organs in humans, covering a wide range of sources. These sources include skin, fat, muscle, bone, bone marrow, liver, placenta and fetal membranes, deciduous teeth, and permanent teeth. Extracellular vesicles are nanoscale vehicles that encapsulate a wide array of bioactive molecules, including essential proteins such as cytokines, receptors, and their corresponding ligands, as well as a complex array of nucleic acids like DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and the elusive long-chain noncoding RNA. These vesicles play a crucial role in intercellular communication and have been extensively studied for their potential in drug delivery, leveraging their natural biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and non-immunogenic properties. TSG101: Tumor susceptibility gene 101; HSP70: 70-kDa heat shock protein; HSP90: 90-kDa heat shock protein; ALIX: Apoptosis-linked gene 2-interacting protein X; MVE: Multivesicular emulsion; ER: Endoplasmic reticulum; MSCs: Mesenchymal stem cells. The figure was drawn by Figdraw.