Cargo-defined engineered vesicles enable targeted miRNA delivery for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction

Quick Facts

  • Publication title: Cargo-defined engineered vesicles enable targeted miRNA delivery for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction
  • Journal: Biomaterials
  • Year: 2026
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124251
  • PMID/PMCID: 42085858

Research overview

Herein, we identified miR-30d as a potential therapeutic target, exhibiting dynamic expression changes in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MI patients before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of miR-30d and establish programmable RNA-depleted, IMTP-conjugated mELVs as a safe, targeted, and effective platform for miRNA delivery in post-MI gene therapy.

Key findings

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and current therapeutic strategies offer limited efficacy in promoting long-term cardiac repair.

miRNAs have emerged as promising therapeutic agents owing to their capacity to modulate gene networks involved in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.

Herein, we identified miR-30d as a potential therapeutic target, exhibiting dynamic expression changes in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MI patients before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

To facilitate targeted delivery, we developed an engineered milk-derived EV-like vehicle (mELV) system in which endogenous RNAs were depleted via sonication to reduce off-target effects and improve cargo uniformity.

Echo Biotech Role

Echo Biotech contributed miRNA profiling/sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.

Related platforms: Exoomics®

Related services and capabilities: EV miRNA Profiling / Sequencing

References

Original publication: Cargo-defined engineered vesicles enable targeted miRNA delivery for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction Biomaterials. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2026.124251. PMID/PMCID: 42085858.