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Adipose-derived stem cells exosomal KLF3-AS1 attenuates ovarian function by YBX1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling
Wei Zhao1,2, Haili Zhang3, Liyan Zhang1
11Department of Reproductive Center, Xilingol League Central Hospital, Inner Mongolia Xilingol League, 026000, China.
Background:
Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) derived exosomes have been widely studied in disease treatment. Exosomes are able to deliver bioactive molecules, including non-coding RNAs and proteins. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides and are enriched in exosomes. This work aimed to explore the effects of lncRNA KLF3 antisense RNA 1 (KLF3-AS1) that delivered by ADSC-derived exosomes on ovarian aging.
Methods:
ADSCs were isolated and characterized with the surface biomarkers. Exosomes were isolated from ADSCs. The biomarkers of ADSC-derived exosomes were identified using western blotting. Exosomes were labeled with PKH26 and internalized by primary granulosa cells (pGCs), and relative images were taken under fluorescence microscope. ADSCs were transfected with KLF3-AS1, and exosomes were isolated for treatment of aging female mice. The ovary weight was recorded. The follicular development was measured by Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Apoptosis of ovary tissues was detected by TUNEL assay. The senescence and apoptosis of pGCs were determined by S-β-gal staining kit and Annexin V/PI detection kit. RNA pulldown and RNA Immunoprecipitation Chip (RIP) assay were performed to determine the interaction of Y box binding protein 1 (YBX1) with KLF3-AS1.
Results:
The ADSC-derived exosomes could deliver KLF3-AS1 to pGCs. Treatment with ADSC-derived exosomes notably elevated the ovary weight and enhanced follicular development in aged mice, whereas depletion of KLF3-AS1 reversed these effects and promoted cell apoptosis. ADSCs-derived exosomes alleviated senescence and apoptosis of pGCs, while KLF3-AS1 depletion blocked these phenotypes. KLF3-AS1 directly interacts with YBX1. KLF3-AS1 depletion inhibited phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in pGC, and overexpression of YBX1 reversed these phenotypes.
Conclusion:
ADSC-derived exosomal KLF3-AS1 could improve ovary aging and enhance pGC viability via targeting the YBX1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.
Insights
Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes carrying lncRNA KLF3-AS1 can rejuvenate aging ovaries by improving granulosa cell viability. This therapy targets YBX1 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, offering a novel approach for ovarian aging.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC)-derived exosomes are investigated for therapeutic delivery of bioactive molecules like long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators enriched in exosomes, influencing cellular functions.
- This study focuses on the lncRNA KLF3-AS1 delivered by ADSC exosomes and its impact on ovarian aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of ADSC-derived exosomal KLF3-AS1 in mitigating ovarian aging.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involving YBX1 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Main Methods:
- ADSCs were isolated, and exosomes were characterized.
- ADSC-derived exosomes were engineered to deliver KLF3-AS1 and administered to aged female mice.
- Ovarian function, follicular development, and cell apoptosis/senescence were assessed.
- Molecular interactions (RNA pulldown, RIP) and signaling pathway activation (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- ADSC-derived exosomes successfully delivered KLF3-AS1 to primary granulosa cells (pGCs).
- Exosomal KLF3-AS1 treatment improved ovarian weight, enhanced follicular development, and reduced apoptosis in aged mice.
- KLF3-AS1 directly interacts with YBX1, modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
- KLF3-AS1 depletion reversed the beneficial effects, while YBX1 overexpression rescued them.
Conclusions:
- ADSC-derived exosomal KLF3-AS1 demonstrates a therapeutic effect on ovarian aging.
- The mechanism involves targeting YBX1 and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
- This approach enhances pGC viability and improves ovarian function in aged individuals.
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