Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as central mediators of intercellular communication in the central nervous system. By transporting proteins, lipids, DNA, and non-coding RNAs, EVs shape both physiological and pathological cellular responses. Among their molecular cargos, microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as particularly influential regulators in neurodegenerative diseases due to their capacity to modulate gene expression, cellular stress responses, and neuroinflammatory pathways.

Growing evidence indicates that EV-miRNAs contribute to key processes underlying neurodegeneration, including neuroinflammation, proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and synaptic integrity. Through these mechanisms, EV-miRNAs may influence neuronal resilience, vulnerability, and the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. At the same time, their stability in biofluids positions EV-miRNAs as promising biomarkers and as attractive targets for therapeutic innovation.

This Research Topic welcomes studies that advance our understanding of how EV-miRNAs regulate neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. To remain within the scope of the Neurodegeneration section, submissions should provide mechanistic insight directly relevant to neurodegenerative processes rather than descriptive EV or general cell models. We encourage studies exploring disease-specific EV-miRNA signatures, dissecting regulatory networks using computational or multi-omics approaches, or developing innovative profiling technologies. Mechanistic investigations into therapeutic strategies - such as miRNA mimics, inhibitors, or engineered EVs - are also encouraged, provided they offer clear insight into underlying molecular pathways.

We invite Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Methods manuscripts that provide detailed mechanistic, molecular, or translational insights into the roles of EV-miRNAs in neurodegeneration. Studies employing relevant in vivo or disease-relevant preclinical models are particularly welcome.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

EV-miRNA regulation of neuroinflammatory, proteostatic, apoptotic, or mitochondrial pathways

Identification of disease-specific EV-miRNA signatures in neurodegenerative disorders

Mechanisms guiding selective miRNA packaging, sorting, and release via EVs

Multi-omics or computational network analyses of EV-miRNA regulatory pathways

Development or refinement of EV-miRNA profiling and detection technologies

Mechanistic studies of therapeutic strategies involving miRNA mimics, inhibitors, or engineered EVs

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Extracellular Vesicle microRNAs in Neurodegeneration: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Opportunities