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Vesicular Communication in the Bone-Muscle Unit: Physiological Functions, Aging, and Therapeutic Potential
Virginia Veronica Visconti1, Chiara Greggi2, Antonio Matticari2
1Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy.
Cells
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key to bone-muscle communication. Aging disrupts this signaling, contributing to age-related diseases, but EVs also offer therapeutic potential for musculoskeletal repair.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication within the bone-muscle unit.
- EVs transfer proteins and microRNAs, regulating tissue homeostasis and adaptations to exercise.
- Aging alters EV cargo, leading to impaired muscle regeneration and bone remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize EV-mediated signaling across the bone-muscle axis.
- To map EV biogenesis, cargo, and function in bone and muscle.
- To review age-related changes in EV signaling and therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of EV research in bone and muscle.
- Analysis of EV cargo (proteins, microRNAs) under physiological and aging conditions.
- Evaluation of current and emerging EV-based therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Physiological EVs maintain bone-muscle homeostasis and adaptation.
- Aging leads to a senescent EV secretome, impairing tissue regeneration.
- Circulating EVs show potential as minimally invasive biomarkers.
- EV-based therapies offer alternatives to cell transplantation for musculoskeletal repair.
Conclusions:
- Dysfunctional EV signaling contributes to age-related musculoskeletal disorders like sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
- Targeting EV communication is a promising strategy to counteract age-related musculoskeletal decline.
- Further research and standardization are needed for clinical translation of EV-based therapies.
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