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Decoding the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles in osteoarthritis: from biomolecular composition to
Wenjing Cheng1,2, Pan Jin1,2, Wei Liu1,2
1The Joint Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent degenerative joint disorder that substantially compromises the quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Conventional therapeutic approaches exhibit limited efficacy, and there is an urgent need to identify more effective treatment options. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as essential mediators of intercellular communication and have been established as crucial carriers for the delivery of bioactive molecules, encompassing DNA, RNA species (including mRNAs, lncRNAs, microRNAs), proteins, and lipids, in the pathogenesis and repair of OA. Comprehensive research has demonstrated that EVs derived from diverse sources possess significant therapeutic potential in mitigating OA progression. However, their dual role in simultaneously facilitating the transport of both beneficial and harmful factors necessitates a cautious interpretation. This review aims to systematically investigate the roles of EVs derived from various origins and subpopulations in mitigating OA progression, summarize recent advancements in EV delivery methodologies, and emphasize emerging strategies to enhance their therapeutic specificity and efficacy. By elucidating these mechanisms, this review seeks to address translational challenges and provide valuable insights into the development of next-generation EV-based therapeutics for OA treatment.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise for treating osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint disease. Research explores how these natural cell messengers can deliver therapeutic molecules to combat OA progression.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Regenerative medicine
- Cell biology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative joint disease impacting quality of life, particularly in older adults.
- Current OA treatments have limited effectiveness, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of cell-to-cell communication, involved in OA pathogenesis and repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the therapeutic potential of EVs from various sources in mitigating OA progression.
- To summarize advancements in EV delivery methods for OA treatment.
- To highlight strategies for enhancing the specificity and efficacy of EV-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating EVs in osteoarthritis.
- Analysis of EV origins, subpopulations, and cargo (DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids).
- Examination of current EV delivery techniques and emerging strategies for therapeutic enhancement.
Main Results:
- Diverse EVs demonstrate significant potential in reducing OA progression.
- EVs can transport both beneficial and detrimental factors, requiring careful consideration.
- Recent progress in EV delivery methodologies offers improved therapeutic application.
Conclusions:
- EVs represent a promising therapeutic avenue for osteoarthritis.
- Further research is needed to optimize EV-based treatments and overcome translational challenges.
- Developing targeted EV delivery systems will be crucial for next-generation OA therapeutics.
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