Extraction of Exosomes and Exosomal miRNA from Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Exosomes, derived from stem cells, have great promise in regenerative medicine due to their capabilities of ameliorating inflammation, preventing tissue damage and promoting healing, which in part are associated with the exosomal RNA/miRNA. The application of mesenchymal stem cell exosomes in treating hepatic disorders including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has drawn much attention. In this chapter, we describe our experience in culturing human mesenchymal stem cells and isolating their exosomes from culture medium through ultracentrifugation. Methods to extract exosomal RNA/miRNA are also discussed.