Role of exosomes isolated from osteosarcoma cell lines in the formation and development of osteoclasts

• Grant number: 24/15867-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Sandra Yasuyo Fukada Alves
• Grantee: Isabella Nascimento dos Santos Bernardo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/08568-2 - Investigation of the extracellular vesicles (VEs) role in the initiation, propagation, regeneration, and modeling of biological mineralization, AP.TEM

Abstract

Bones, highly dynamic and active, are constantly remodeled to maintain the integrity and function of the bone tissue. This process, known as bone remodeling, is mediated by two main types of cells: osteoblasts, which produce bone tissue, and osteoclasts, which resorb bone, maintaining homeostasis. Intercellular communication in bone remodeling can occur through extracellular vesicles (EVs), which transport lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids essential for cellular signaling. These EVs, including exosomes, are released in various sizes and origins and play important roles in mineralization. In the context of osteosarcoma, a primary malignant bone tumor, cells from the tumor microenvironment secrete EVs that carry microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs essential for communication within the tumor matrix. These EVs not only influence the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma but also mediate cellular dynamics, potentially increasing osteoclastic activity and pathological bone remodeling. Therefore, to understand the tumor microenvironment and its implications for bone remodeling, the objective of this project is to study the role of exosomes released by osteosarcoma cell lines with metastatic and non-metastatic characteristics on osteoclast formation and activity.