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Emerging role of extracellular vesicles in musculoskeletal diseases
Cameron Murphy1, Joseph Withrow1, Monte Hunter1
1Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Abstract:
Research into the biology of extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, has expanded significantly with advances in EV isolation techniques, a better understanding of the surface markers that characterize exosomes and microvesicles, and greater information derived from -omics approaches on the proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) transported by EVs. We have recently discovered a role for exosome-derived miRNAs in age-related bone loss and osteoarthritis, two conditions that impose a significant public health burden on the aging global population. Previous work has also revealed multiple roles for EVs and their miRNAs in muscle regeneration and congenital myopathies. Thus, EVs appear to be involved in a number of degenerative conditions that impact the musculoskeletal system, indicating that the musculoskeletal system is an excellent model for investigating the role of EVs in tissue maintenance and repair. This review highlights the role of EVs in bone, skeletal muscle, and joint health, including both normal tissue metabolism as well as tissue injury repair and regeneration. A consistent theme that emerges from study of musculoskeletal EVs is that various miRNAs appear to mediate a number of key pathological processes. These findings point to a potential therapeutic opportunity to target EV-derived miRNAs as a strategy for improving musculoskeletal function.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in musculoskeletal health and disease. Targeting EV-derived miRNAs offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving bone, muscle, and joint function.
Area of Science:
- Extracellular vesicle (EV) biology
- Musculoskeletal research
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are increasingly recognized for their roles in intercellular communication.
- Advances in isolation techniques and -omics approaches have enhanced our understanding of EV cargo, such as proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs).
- EVs and their miRNAs are implicated in various degenerative conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including age-related bone loss, osteoarthritis, and muscle disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of EVs in the maintenance, repair, and regeneration of bone, skeletal muscle, and joints.
- To highlight the significance of EV-derived miRNAs in musculoskeletal health and disease pathogenesis.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting EV-derived miRNAs for musculoskeletal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their involvement in musculoskeletal tissues.
- Analysis of studies investigating the molecular cargo (miRNAs, proteins, lipids) of EVs.
- Synthesis of findings related to EV function in normal tissue metabolism, injury repair, and regeneration.
Main Results:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are integral to musculoskeletal tissue maintenance and repair processes.
- Exosome-derived miRNAs have been identified as key mediators in age-related bone loss and osteoarthritis.
- EV-associated miRNAs also play significant roles in muscle regeneration and congenital myopathies.
Conclusions:
- The musculoskeletal system serves as a valuable model for studying EV biology in tissue homeostasis and regeneration.
- MicroRNAs transported by EVs are critical regulators of key pathological processes in musculoskeletal diseases.
- Targeting EV-derived miRNAs presents a novel therapeutic avenue for enhancing musculoskeletal function and treating degenerative conditions.
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