Myoblast Exosome Production, Function, and MiRNA Cargo Is Altered by Mechanical Stimulation: Therapeutic Implications for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

Introduction: Exosomes offer a potential cell-free regenerative therapy which may replicate the benefits of MSC therapy while minimizing their risks and regulatory challenges. Our previous work demonstrated that mechanical strain improves the myogenic functions of exosomes derived from myoblasts. The goal of the current study was to investigate changes in exosomal miRNA cargo following mechanical stimulation of myoblasts and identify candidate miRNAs that modulate myogenesis. We hypothesized that exosomes derived from mechanically strained myoblasts would have differential expression of miRNAs known to play a role in myogenesis.