5. Conclusions
We compared PSC-derived EV’s ability to differentiate cells in
vitro with the well-characterized BMSC-derived EVs and proved the
feasibility of utilizing these EVs for bone tissue engineering. We found
that ALP activity and calcium deposition of BMSCs significantly
increased when treated with late-stage derived EVs, regardless of cell
source. We have presented a comparative analysis of the miRNA content of
these EVs, as well as identified potential pathways upon which these
miRNAs are acting upon the cells. Since PSCs grow at a significantly
faster rate than BMSCs, and also yield more potent EVs, they are a
promising alternative source to utilizing BMSC-derived EVs for studies
that require large amounts of EVs or need a high yield for therapeutic
effects. During differentiation, EVs derived from late-stage osteogenic
culture enhanced the rate of differentiation and mineralization of BMSCs
regardless of stem cell source. This is a result of the uptake and
delivery of the biologically active molecules contained within the EVs
such as miRNAs. It is our hope that this information can lead to future
studies improving the delivery mechanisms of EVs so they can overcome
limitations with current bone grafting techniques by increasing native
bone cell activity.