Microparticles communicating between cells via RNA strands.

Cell-to-Cell Communication: How Microparticles Act as Messengers in the Body

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Elliot Brynn in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the potential of microRNA signals for innovative therapies and diagnostics."


In the intricate world of cellular biology, communication is key. Cells constantly exchange information to coordinate functions, respond to stimuli, and maintain overall health. One fascinating method of cell-to-cell communication involves microparticles (MPs), tiny vesicles released by cells that act as messengers, carrying a variety of bioactive substances, including microRNAs (miRNAs).

MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. They can influence a wide range of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. When MPs transport miRNAs from one cell to another, they can alter the recipient cell's behavior and function.

Recent research has shed light on the significant role of platelet MPs in delivering a specific miRNA, miRNA-126-3p, to macrophages. This delivery modifies the macrophages' transcriptome (the complete set of RNA transcripts) and secretome (the collection of secreted proteins) and stimulates their phagocytic activity, which is essential for clearing cellular debris and pathogens. Understanding this intercellular communication could unlock new possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

How Do Microparticles Change Macrophage Behavior?

Microparticles communicating between cells via RNA strands.

Macrophages, as key players in the immune system, are responsible for engulfing and digesting foreign particles, cellular debris, and pathogens. MPs, particularly those derived from platelets, interact significantly with macrophages. In fact, macrophages are largely responsible for clearing MPs from the body.

Research has shown that when platelet MPs are internalized by macrophages, they transfer miRNA-126-3p. This transfer leads to a downregulation of predicted mRNA targets within the macrophages. In simpler terms, the miRNA-126-3p carried by the MPs alters the gene expression of the macrophages, changing their behavior.

  • Transcriptome and Secretome Modification: The introduction of miRNA-126-3p causes substantial changes in the macrophage's genetic machinery, leading to differential expression of 66 miRNAs and 653 RNAs.
  • Enhanced Phagocytosis: The reprogramming of macrophages via platelet MPs pushes them towards a more active phagocytic phenotype, improving their ability to clear debris.
This reprogramming of macrophages through miRNA delivery has broader implications. It complements previous findings that endothelial MPs can promote endothelial regeneration by delivering miR-126-3p, highlighting the versatile role of this particular miRNA in promoting tissue repair and protection. This also suggests that manipulating miRNA delivery could offer atheroprotective effects, potentially preventing or treating conditions like atherosclerosis.

The Future of Microparticle Research

Despite significant progress, several questions remain about the intricacies of MP research. The specific determinants and regulatory factors that govern miRNA sorting and packaging into MPs are still not fully understood. Similarly, the precise targets and functions of transferred miRNAs, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in their action within target cells, require further investigation.

However, unraveling these processes, especially the unique miRNA signatures within MPs and exosomes, presents a promising avenue for developing new diagnostic biomarkers. The ability to customize vesicles with specific sets of miRNAs opens the door to manipulating miRNA signals, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic strategies.

By understanding how cells communicate through microparticles and miRNAs, we can develop targeted therapies that address a wide range of diseases, from cardiovascular disorders to immune system dysfunctions. Further exploration in this field holds immense promise for improving human health.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What are Microparticles and what is their role in cell communication?

Microparticles (MPs) are tiny vesicles released by cells that act as messengers, transporting bioactive substances, including microRNAs (miRNAs). They are a key mechanism for cell-to-cell communication, enabling cells to exchange information and coordinate functions. This communication is crucial for maintaining overall health and responding to stimuli.

2

What are microRNAs, and what is their significance in cell function?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They influence cellular processes such as growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. When Microparticles (MPs) transport miRNAs, they alter the recipient cell's behavior and function. For example, the delivery of miRNA-126-3p by platelet MPs modifies the transcriptome and secretome of macrophages, affecting their behavior.

3

How do platelet Microparticles affect the behavior of macrophages and why is that important?

The role of platelet Microparticles (MPs) in macrophage behavior is significant because it influences the immune response. When platelet MPs deliver miRNA-126-3p to macrophages, it enhances their phagocytic activity. This process is essential for clearing cellular debris and pathogens, contributing to tissue repair and protection. Understanding this mechanism could be used to develop therapeutic interventions targeting immune responses.

4

How does the transfer of miRNA-126-3p from platelet Microparticles alter macrophage behavior?

The transfer of miRNA-126-3p from platelet Microparticles (MPs) to macrophages leads to changes in the macrophages' genetic machinery, affecting the expression of several miRNAs and RNAs. This reprogramming pushes macrophages towards a more active phagocytic phenotype, meaning they become better at engulfing and digesting foreign particles and debris. This enhanced activity is vital for maintaining tissue health and resolving inflammation.

5

What are the key areas of ongoing research regarding Microparticles?

Ongoing research aims to understand the complexities of Microparticle (MP) behavior. Key areas of investigation include how miRNAs are sorted and packaged into MPs, the specific targets and functions of transferred miRNAs within target cells, and the molecular mechanisms of their action. Further exploration in these areas could offer new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities by manipulating MP-mediated communication for various diseases, including conditions like atherosclerosis.

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