Exosomes as a novel pathway for regulating development and diseases of the skin (Review)

The 2018 review explored the significance of exosomes in the context of skin health and disease. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that play a key role in cell-to-cell communication by transferring molecules like proteins and various types of RNA. They are implicated in numerous skin-related processes, including epidermal development, wound healing, pigmentation, and the progression of diseases such as melanoma and scleroderma. The review pointed out that exosomes derived from different cell types, including epithelial progenitor cells and human adipose mesenchymal stem cells, have varying impacts on skin functions, from promoting cell proliferation to influencing pigmentation and enhancing wound healing. The potential of exosomes in diagnosing and treating skin diseases was also emphasized, with a particular interest in their ability to promote hair growth. The review underscored the need for more research to fully understand the mechanisms of exosome action in skin conditions and their therapeutic potential. The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.