Neurology and Neuro Surgery

Biography

Biography: Michael Chopp

Abstract

The ability to regulate and modulate intercellular communication may provide the basis for the treatment of neurological injury, neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. Exosomes are small (30-100 nm) endosomal generated particles consisting of a complex lipid membrane and contain proteins, RNAs,mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs). Nearly all cells generate exosomes, and these small lipid containers are ubiquitous in biological systems and provide an intercellular communications network which regulate cellular function. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and genomic materials including mRNAs and miRNAs between source and target cells In this presentation, I will describe our work on the treatment of stroke, traumatic brain injury and diabetic peripheral neuropathy with exosomes, with a focus on the transfer of microRNA (miR) content within the exosomes to recipient cells. miRs are 20-25 nucleotide non coding RNA which regulate gene translation . They act as major molecular switches and are post transcriptional regulators of protein production and simultaneously impact multiple molecular pathways and signaling within cells. We have found that cell-based therapies promote neurological recovery and promote neurovascular remodeling by transferring exosomes to recipient cells. Thus, we have harvested exosomes by means of ultracentrifugation of biochemical methods from a variety of cells, and directly employed these exosomes by intravenous administration for stroke ,TBI and peripheral neuropathy to promote neurological recovery. Exosome treatment was highly effective in promoting neurovascular remodeling and enhancing neurological recovery after stroke, TBI, and peripheral neuropathy. Our studies demonstrate that exosomes may provide effective therapy for the treatment of neurological diseases and injury.