Conclusions
Consequently, exosomes strengthened bone regeneration of DPSCs through the activation of mitochondrial aerobic metabolism. Our study provides a new potential strategy to improve DPSC-based bone regenerative treatment.
Methods
We isolated exosomes from stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) aggregates and evaluated the efficacy of exosomes combined with DPSCs in a cranial bone defect model. The potential mechanisms were further investigated.
Results
The effect of exosomes combined with DPSCs was remarkable on bone regeneration in vivo and exosomes promoted osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs in vitro. Mechanistically, exosomes increased the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in DPSCs by transferring TFAM mRNA. Moreover, highly expressed TFAM in DPSCs enhanced glutamate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity. Conclusions: Consequently, exosomes strengthened bone regeneration of DPSCs through the activation of mitochondrial aerobic metabolism. Our study provides a new potential strategy to improve DPSC-based bone regenerative treatment.