Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids regulate osteogenic differentiation potential of osteoporotic adipose-derived stem cells

Osteoporosis (OP) is a noncommunicable bone disease caused by a shift in the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and can severely affect the health of elderly persons. Autologous stem-cell transplantation can improve reduced bone density and weakened fracture healing abilities in patients with OP. However, OP can adversely affect the osteogenesis and proliferation abilities of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Therefore, an effective drug is required to facilitate autologous ASCs to recover their osteogenic and proliferative potential. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) is a new type of nanomaterial that has ability to regulate the biological behavior of cells effectively and enhance the bioactivity of stem cells. In this study, we examine the effects of tFNAs on the osteogenic differentiation and proliferation abilities of ASCs in rats with OP. The results indicate that the 250 nmol/L tFNAs can considerably increase the expression of osteogenesis-related markers, effectively promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoporotic ASCs (OP-ASCs), and help them to regain their osteogenic and proliferative potential. In short, tFNAs can enable OP-ACSs to recover their osteogenic potential and promote their proliferation and, therefore, can play a key regulatory role in autologous ASC transplantation. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

Osteoporosis has a severe impact on the health of elderly individuals, but autologous stem-cell transplantation can help improve bone density and fracture healing abilities. However, osteoporosis can negatively affect the osteogenesis and proliferation abilities of autologous adipose-derived stem cells. A study found that tetrahedral framework nucleic acid can effectively promote the recovery of osteogenic and proliferative potential in osteoporotic ASCs and enhance their bone formation and proliferation.