Exosomal miR-1246 of adipose stem cells attenuates obesity by polarizing M2 macrophages, reducing fat mass, and beiging of white adipose tissue.

Background: Adipose stem cells (ADSC) have demonstrated therapeutic potential in ameliorating obesity and metabolic disorders, with their exosomes showing comparable therapeutic effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains incompletely understood. Furthermore, the limited availability and inherent heterogeneity of primary ADSC present substantial challenges for consistent therapeutic outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the unique biological effects mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes derived from immortalized adipose stem cells (iADSC).

Results: We first established stable iADSC and isolated their exosomes (iADSC-EXO), which exhibited both high yield and stability. In high fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice, iADSC-EXO administration significantly attenuated obesity, reduced blood glucose and lipid levels, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. miRNA chips analysis revealed that miR-1246 is highly enriched in exosomes derived from iADSC and ADSC. Administration of miR-1246 to HFD-fed obese mice produced beneficial effects on obesity and metabolic disorders comparable to those with iADSC-EXO. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-1246 exerts its beneficial effects through multiple pathways: First, reducing fat mass by downregulating of the expression of fat mass and obesity-associate protein (FTO) and subsequent inhibition of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. Second, enhancing white adipose tissue (WAT) beiging by suppressing Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1T1) and FTO expression. Third, promoting M2 macrophage polarization and suppressing WAT inflammation via inhibition of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-mediated inflammatory pathway.

Conclusions: Our study elucidates a novel molecular mechanism through which ADSC regulates adipose tissue homeostasis and metabolism and presents a potential therapeutic approach for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders via iADSC-EXO or miR-1246-based interventions.