MiRNA sequencing of EVs secreted by mechanically stretched ASMCs. Homo sapiens

In the short two decades since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs), scientists have focused more attention on the biological realm of miRNAs, and a deeper understanding of the role of miRNAs in development and disease has made miRNAs a powerful tool and target for new treatments. However, the underlying mechanisms by which miRNAs in extracellular vesicles are involved in the response of ASMCs to high stretch and to airway epithelial damage remain unclear. In this study, we combined bioinformatics and cytomechanical approaches to screen stretch-sensitive extracellular vesicles miRNAs and investigate their effects on the biomechanical behavior of airway epithelial cells.