Research progress of exosome-derived microRNA in cardiovascular diseases

Cells secrete exosomes, which carry and transfer specific cargos into extracellular environment in both physiological and pathological conditions. Among these components, microRNA derived from exosomes can influence the function of cell-cell substances transmission and signal transduction. Recent studies have shown that exosomes and exosome-derived microRNA play important roles in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. This review focuses on fundamental features of exosomes, biological characteristics and expressions of exosome-derived microRNA in different cardiovascular diseases.