Exosomal lncRNAs from mesenchymal stem cells as the novel modulators to cardiovascular disease

AIM: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as potential therapeutic candidates for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the molecular mechanism underlying their therapeutic effects is unknown. FINDINGS: Recently, Chen et al. showed that an exosomal lncRNA derived from MSCs protected against cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo, which provided new insight into our understanding of the functions of MSCs. Other exosomal lncRNAs from MSCs have been shown to play pivotal roles in the development of CVD. CONCLUSION: Exosomal lncRNAs are important molecules in the application of MSCs, which reveals, at least in part, the functional mechanism of MSCs.