Skeletal muscle-derived exosomes mediate osteogenesis by activating anaerobic glycolysis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2026.03.022

Journal of Capital Medical University ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3): 588-596.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2026.03.022

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Skeletal muscle-derived exosomes mediate osteogenesis by activating anaerobic glycolysis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Li Yuan^1,2， Li Jianying³， Li Xiaoyu^1,2， Sai Yida²， Yang Xin^2*#， Yang Xi^4*#

1.Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University，Shihezi 832003，Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China；2．Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command，Urumqi 830000，China; 3．Department of Animal Experimentation, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command，Urumqi 830000, China；4. Department of Scientific Research and Teaching, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command， Urumqi 830000, China

Received:2026-02-06 Revised:2026-03-26 Online:2026-06-21 Published:2026-06-26
Supported by:
This study was supported by the Karakoram Talent Fund Top Project of Xinjiang Military Command General Hospital (2022BJ002).

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of skeletal muscle-derived exosomes (SKM-Exos) on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by inducing the anaerobic glycolysis pathway. Methods ①BMSCs were isolated, cultured, and purified from 6-8 week-old male C57BL/6 mice by using the whole bone marrow adherence method. SKM-Exos were isolated by using a commercial kit. ② BMSCs were incubated with SKM-Exos and then subjected to osteogenic differentiation induction. On days 7 and 21, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and calcium nodule detection were performed.③After 6 days of incubation with SKM-Exos, the mRNA expression levels of osteogenic differentiation-related genes ［Runx2, Osterix, osteocalcin (Ocn), and collagen-1］ in BMSCs were detected via real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). ④BMSCs were treated with drugs that inhibit or activate the anaerobic glycolysis pathway ［rotenone, sodium dichloroacetate (DCA), and oxamate］ for 24 h, followed by osteogenic induction. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of calcium nodules, as well as comparative measurements of glucose consumption and lactate production in BMSCs, it was preliminarily verified that SKM-Exos may promote the osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs by inducing anaerobic glycolysis and increasing lactate production. Results ①Skeletal muscle tissue secreted abundant exosomes. SKM-Exos significantly upregulated the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and markedly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs. ②The enhancement of osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs by SKM-Exos was closely associated with increased lactate production induced by the anaerobic glycolysis pathway. Conclusion Skeletal muscle-derived exosomes can regulate bone formation by inducing the anaerobic glycolysis pathway in BMSCs.

Key words: skeletal muscle, exosomes, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, anaerobic glycolysis, osteogenesis, bone tissue formation

CLC Number:

Li Yuan, Li Jianying, Li Xiaoyu, Sai Yida, Yang Xin, Yang Xi. Skeletal muscle-derived exosomes mediate osteogenesis by activating anaerobic glycolysis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells[J]. Journal of Capital Medical University, 2026, 47(3): 588-596.

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Skeletal muscle-derived exosomes mediate osteogenesis by activating anaerobic glycolysis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

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