Evaluating the chondrogenic potential of peptide-induced mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles: a novel 3D spheroid imaging platform approach 2889

Abstract Description Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that significantly impairs patient mobility and quality of life. Currently, there are no effective regenerative therapies or medications available for its treatment. We developed a 3D spheroid model using human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to address this challenge and reduce reliance on animal models. By employing low-adhesion culture methods combined with tissue-clearing and fluorescence staining techniques, we established a 3D fluorescence imaging platform that simulates the in vivo microenvironment. This platform was utilized to evaluate the chondrogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) induced by specific peptides. Extracellular vesicles exhibit low immunogenicity and multifunctionality, showing great potential as tools for tissue repair. Preliminary results demonstrated that peptide-induced MSC-EVs significantly enhanced the expression of chondrogenic markers within the 3D spheroid model, including SOX9, Type II Collagen, Aggrecan, and Thrombospondin-5. These findings underscore the potential of peptide-induced MSC-EVs in promoting chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage tissue formation, supporting their feasibility as future therapeutic candidates for osteoarthritis. Future research will focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cartilage repair therapies, laying a solid foundation for precision medicine in osteoarthritis treatment. Topic Categories Technological Innovations in Immunology (TECH)