Exchange of genetic material: a new paradigm in bone cell communications

Abstract

An emerging concept in intercellular communication in mammals is that communication can be mediated by exchange of genetic material, mainly in the form of RNAs. In this review, we discuss recent studies that describe the trafficking of genetic material with a focus on bone cell communication. Three major carriers are discussed: gap junctions, protein-binding complexes, and genetic material exchange mediated by extracellular vesicles. While protein-level exchange has been well documented, no review has summarized the novel paradigm of cell-to-cell communication by genetic information exchange in bone tissues or its biological relevance in terms of bone homeostasis and bone-related diseases. The purpose of this review is to promote further understanding of this novel discovery regarding bone cell communication and provide references for further investigations.

Keywords: Bone cells; Cell-to-cell communication; Extracellular vesicles; Gap junction; Genetic material; RNA-binding protein.

Fig. 1

Three genetic exchange approaches including EVs (exosome, ectosome, and apoptotic body), gap junction, and RNA-binding complex. Genetic material transferred through these approaches associated with bone cells is present. A large amount of miRNAs and mRNAs have been shown to be associated with bone-derived EVs, here only those with reported biological activity are listed. For freely circulating miRNAs listed, prior study showed that these miRNAs are biomarkers for osteoporosis or low bone mass, however direct role in bone cell genetic information exchange has yet to be discovered