Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Osteoporosis Therapy

Abstract

The dynamic balance between bone resorption and formation is critical for maintaining healthy bone homeostasis. However, the receptor activator of the nuclear factor B ligand (RANKL) primarily stimulates mature osteoclasts to resorb bone, and its upregulation leads to osteoporosis in patients. Here, we designed RANK-expressing extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells to maintain bone homeostasis in mice. This engineered EV (EV@R) effectively neutralizes excess RANKL in bone tissue due to the RANK-RANKL interaction, thereby attenuating osteoclast differentiation. Additionally, we found that miRNA-21a-5p in EV@R contributes to restoring bone metabolic homeostasis. We demonstrate the protective and therapeutic efficacy of EV@R against osteoporosis in the ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model with a lasting effect and minimal side effects. Our study provides an alternative way to use engineered EVs for bone homeostasis treatment.

Keywords: RANK; extracellular vesicles; mesenchymal stem cells; miRNA; osteoporosis.