# Plant Exosomes and MicroRNAs Regulate the Microbiome and Intestinal Homeostasis

> **NIH NIH R03** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2020 · $72,919

## Abstract

Abstract
Plant-based diets are associated with intestinal health; however, in many cases, the bioactive
components within plant diets that confer these impacts have not been identified. MicroRNAs
(miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene
expression. Mammalian exosomes (lipid-based nanoparticles) encapsulate miRNAs and are
shed from almost all cell types to interact with specific target cells. Plant-derived exosome-like
nanoparticles (ELNs) have been characterized, are structurally similar to mammalian exosomes,
and mediate transport of various compounds including proteins and miRNAs. A recent study
suggests species-specific edible ELNs target particular microbes in the gut to impact microbial
composition and gut function. We have developed exquisitely sensitive biological reagents to
address the hypothesis that dietary plant RNAs, such as miRNAs, directly impact the microbiome
and gut health. Our miRNA of interest is miR-146a, a mammalian miRNA that plays critical roles
in innate immunity, inflammation, antiviral responses, and cancer. Our focus is on the role of miR-
146a in intestinal homeostasis through microbiome modulation. We maintain mice deficient in
miR-146a, and established assays document that this deficiency alters microbiome populations
and tolerance to bacterial infections. We have engineered a series of isogenic plants expressing
either empty vector (control) or the murine miR-146a. If plant specific ELNs differentially modulate
this response, we posit diets composed of different crops expressing miR-146a will differentially
impact the microbial composition and gut health of miR-146a deficient mice. Our combined
scientific expertise and precision tools in plant genetics, mouse models and microbiome science
provide a powerful opportunity to address if dietary miRNAs impact intestinal homeostasis through
microbiome-mediated mechanisms.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9876101
- **Project number:** 1R03AI149201-01
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** kendal D Hirschi
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $72,919
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-01-23 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9876101

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9876101, Plant Exosomes and MicroRNAs Regulate the Microbiome and Intestinal Homeostasis (1R03AI149201-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9876101. Licensed CC0.

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