Extracellular vesicles modulate skin aging biomarkers in a 3D reconstructed full-thickness skin model

Quick Facts

  • Publication title: Extracellular vesicles modulate skin aging biomarkers in a 3D reconstructed full-thickness skin model
  • Journal: Front Cell Dev Biol
  • Year: 2026
  • DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2026.1784998
  • PMID/PMCID: 41869020; PMC13003219

Research overview

In this study, EVs from adipose-derived stem cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were evaluated using both 2D primary skin cells and 3D full-thickness reconstructed skin models. Additionally, miRNA-seq and proteomics of extracellular vesicle contents revealed miRNAs and proteins that may be drivers of the biological activities observed in 3D models, suggesting EVs activate processes associated with skin regeneration.

Key findings

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-enveloped nanovesicles rich in microRNAs, proteins and lipids, that serve as potent mediators of intercellular communication.

While EVs have demonstrated pro-regenerative potential in 2D and preclinical models, their impact on skin regeneration and aging processes in 3D reconstructed skin models has remained less explored.

In this study, EVs from adipose-derived stem cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were evaluated using both 2D primary skin cells and 3D full-thickness reconstructed skin models.

EVs stimulated fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, increased epidermal thickness, and enhanced the presence of collagen IV in the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) and fibrillin 1 in the extracellular matrix.

Echo Biotech Role

Echo Biotech contributed EV isolation and purification, EV characterization, miRNA profiling/sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, EV material/reference-material supply; the study also used or cited Echo.

Related platforms: Exoomics®, EV Materials / Reference Materials, Research Reagents & Tools

Related services and capabilities: EV Isolation & Purification, EV Basic Characterization (TEM/NTA/WB), EV miRNA Profiling / Sequencing, EV Material / Reference Material Supply

Related products or reagents: Echo Biotech EV Material (brand/model to verify)

References

Original publication: Extracellular vesicles modulate skin aging biomarkers in a 3D reconstructed full-thickness skin model Frontiers in cell and developmental biology. 2026. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2026.1784998. PMID/PMCID: 41869020; PMC13003219.