Extracellular vesicles for use in therapy can be derived from engineered cells in order to adjust their contents in favorable ways. Here, researchers derive vesicles from genetically engineered osteoblasts in order to promote bone formation in a mouse model of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the name given to the age-related loss of bone mineral density. Bone is constantly remodeled, deposited by osteoblast cells and removed by osteoclast cells. In youth these activities are balanced, but the molecular damage of aging produces changes that favor osteoclasts. The result is a steady loss of bone density, leading to brittle, fracture-prone bones. Any approach that restores the balance betw…
Extracellular Vesicle Therapy Promotes Bone Formation in a Mouse Model of Osteoporosis
Extracellular vesicles for use in therapy can be derived from engineered cells in order to adjust their contents in favorable ways. Here, researchers derive vesicles from genetically engineered osteoblasts in order to promote bone formation in a mouse model of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the name given to the age-related loss of bone mineral density. Bone is constantly remodeled, deposited by osteoblast cells and removed by osteoclast cells. In youth these activities are balanced, but the molecular damage of aging produces changes that favor osteoclasts. The result is a steady loss of bone density, leading to brittle, fracture-prone bones. Any approach that restores the balance betw…