Exosome-derived LncRNAs in bone remodeling: recent advances and future directions for bone disease therapy.

BACKGROUND

Exosomes derived from various cellular sources play a pivotal role in mediating and regulating bone and cartilage regeneration for conditions such as bone defects, fractures, cartilage repair, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.

MAINTEXT: As essential intercellular communication vehicles, exosomes transmit long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to modulate cellular behaviors in the bone microenvironment, which has been a central focus of contemporary research.This review consolidates existing evidence on exosome-derived lncRNAs in bone remodeling, revealing their regulatory roles through signaling pathway networks on osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and related bone/cartilage lineage cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts. Exosome-encapsulated lncRNAs that regulate osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclast activity, bone-vascular coupling, and bone metastasis show promise as minimally invasive biomarkers for diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic monitoring of bone metabolic disorders.

CONCLUSION

Moreover, harnessing exosomes as natural, engineerable delivery vehicles can advance the development of bone-targeted, precise, and low-toxicity therapeutic strategies to complement existing pharmacologic and regenerative treatments.