Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicle from Mesenchymal Stem Cells of the Epidural Fat of the Spine

Abstract

An experimental study with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) of the epidural fat (EF) of the spine. Purpose: This study aims to isolate the exosomes from epidural fat-derived mesenchymal stem cells (EF-MSCs) and fully characterize the EF-MSC-EVs. Overview of Literature: EF-MSCs were reported in 2019, and a few studies have shown the positive outcomes of using EF-MSCs to treat specific spine pathologies. However, MSCs have significant limitations for conducting basic studies or developing therapeutic agents. Although EVs are an emerging research topic, no studies have focused on EVs, especially exosomes, from EF and EF-MSCs. Methods: In this study, we isolated the exosomes using the tangential flow filtration (TFF) system with exosome-depleted fetal bovine serum and performed the characterization tests via western blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and transmission electron microscopy. Results: In transmission electron microscopy, the exosome had a diameter of approximately 100-200 nm and had a spherical shape, whereas in the NTA, the exosome had an average diameter of 142.8 nm with a concentration of 1.27×10 10 particles/mL. The flow cytometry analysis showed the expression of CD63 and CD81. The western blotting analysis showed the positive markers. Conclusions: These findings showed that isolating the exosomes via TFF resulted in high-quality EF-MSC exosome yield. Further studies with exosomes from EF-MSC are needed to evaluate the function and role of the EF tissue.

Therapeutic potential of small extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells for spinal cord and nerve injury

“…Small EVs isolated from EF-derived MSCs have been effective at restoring spinal function by reducing inflammatory response ( Kim et al, 2021a ; Kim et al, 2021b ; Sung et al, 2022a ). In addition, neuronal cell marker expressions are elevated in EF-derived MSCs.…”

“…Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as a novel alternative in regenerative and anti-inflammatory medicine ( Witwer et al, 2021 ; Sung et al, 2022a ). This review introduces EVs as novel therapeutic source for regenerative medicine and includes details of the isolation and characterization of small EVs, the relationship between MSCs and small EVs, and a summary of experimental evidence supporting the therapeutic use of EVs for the treatment of neural injuries.…”