Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
20.2K
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA-335 alleviates vascular calcification by targeting SP1
Yaodong Li1, Chuanzhen Chen2, Jingbo Kong1
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|October 13, 2025
Summary
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes reduce vascular calcification (VC) by regulating microRNA-335 (miR-335). This pathway involves the miR-335/SP1 axis, offering new therapeutic targets for treating VC.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Cell biology
- Molecular medicine
Background:
- Vascular calcification (VC) is a key feature of atherosclerosis, linked to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) changes and bone gene activation.
- Exosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) show potential in reducing VSMC calcification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if BMSC-derived exosomes mitigate VSMC calcification through microRNA (miRNA) regulation.
- To elucidate the specific miRNA and molecular targets involved in this process.
Main Methods:
- Established in vitro (β-glycerophosphate) and in vivo (vitamin D3) models of VC.
- Isolated and characterized BMSC-derived exosomes.
- Utilized RT-qPCR, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and in vivo studies in rats.
Main Results:
- BMSC-derived exosomes significantly reduced VSMC calcification.
- Exosomes modulated rno-miR-335 (miR-335) levels, which suppressed osteogenic regulator RUNX2 expression.
- miR-335 directly targets SP1, inhibiting SP1 and subsequently RUNX2, alleviating VC in vivo.
Conclusions:
- BMSC-derived exosomes attenuate VC through the miR-335/SP1 signaling pathway.
- This study identifies novel molecular targets for potential VC therapies.
