Apoptotic vesicle-mediated senolytics requires mechanical loading

Rationale: Mechanical force plays crucial roles in extracellular vesicle biogenesis, release, composition and activity. However, it is unknown whether mechanical force regulates apoptotic vesicle (apoV) production. Methods: The effects of mechanical unloading on extracellular vesicles of bone marrow were evaluated through morphology, size distribution, yield, and protein mass spectrometry analysis using hindlimb unloading (HU) mouse model. Apoptosis resistance and aging related phenotype were assessed using HU mouse model in vivo and cell microgravity model in vitro. The therapeutic effects of apoVs on HU mouse model were assessed by using microcomputed tomography, histochemical and immunohistochemical, as well as histomorphometry analyses. SiRNA and chemicals were used for gain and loss-of-function assay. Results: In this study, we show that loss of mechanical force led to cellular apoptotic resistance and aging related phenotype, thus reducing the number of apoVs in the circulation due to down-regulated expression of Piezo1 and reduced calcium influx. And systemic infusion of apoVs was able to rescue Piezo1 expression and calcium influx, thereby, rescuing mechanical unloading-induced cellular apoptotic resistance, senescent cell accumulation. Conclusions: This study identified a previously unknown role of mechanical force in maintaining apoptotic homeostasis and eliminating senescent cells. Systemic infusion of mesenchymal stem cell-derived apoVs can effectively rescue apoptotic resistance and eliminate senescent cells in mechanical unloading mice.