Exosomes from Artesunate-Treated Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transferring <i>SNHG7</i> to Promote Osteogenesis Via TAF15-RUNX2 Pathway

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> Effect of artesunate (ART)-treated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos) on osteogenesis and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcified nodule formation of osteoblasts were determined. A mouse model of osteoporosis was established by ovariectomy. <b>Results:</b> <i>SNHG7</i> was upregulated in BMSC-Exos by twofold, which was further enhanced in ART-BMSC-Exos by about twofold. ART intensified BMSC-Exos-induced proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity by about fourfold, calcified nodule formation by about threefold and upregulation of osteogenesis related molecules RUNX2 (by 50%), BMP2 (by 30%) and ATF4 (by 40%) via delivering <i>SNHG7</i>. Mechanistically, <i>SNHG7</i> recruited TAF15 to facilitate RUNX2 stability. <b>Conclusion:</b> ART-BMSC-Exos facilitated osteogenesis via delivering <i>SNHG7</i> by modulating TAF15/RUNX2 axis.