Characterization of the MicroRNA Profile of Ginger Exosome-like Nanoparticles and Their Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Intestinal Caco‑2 Cells

Plant-derived
exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) have been shown
to enter mammalian cells for disease treatment. Although abundant
miRNAs are contained in ginger exosome-like nanoparticles (GELNs),
little is known about their type and function. Herein, we extracted
GELNs with desirable particle sizes (156 ± 36 nm) and a negative
surface charge (−26.6 ± 5 mV). The miRNA profiles in ginger
and GELNs were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, and the
results of the sequencing were validated by real-time quantitative
polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). There were 27 miRNAs with higher
expression levels in the GELNs, and they were mainly involved in the
regulation of inflammatory and cancer-related pathways. Furthermore,
GELNs could be specifically internalized by intestine cells via caveolin-mediated
endocytosis and micropinocytosis, as well as counteract lipopolysaccharide
(LPS)-induced inflammation by downregulating NF-κβ, IL-6,
IL-8, and TNF-α expression. Importantly, the positive effects
were further proved to be possibly related to the miRNAs enriched
in the GELNs. Overall, these results indicated that PELNs could target
human digestive organs and play a cross-kingdom physiological regulation
role through miRNAs.