Streamlined metal-based hydrogel facilitates stem cell differentiation, extracellular matrix homeostasis and cartilage repair in male rats

Wen Li, Zhiyuan Shi, Huaqing Jing, Yunsheng Dou, Xinyi Liu, Mengyao Zhang, Zitong Qiu, Zbynek Heger and Nan Li ()
Additional contact information
Wen Li: Tianjin University
Zhiyuan Shi: Tianjin University
Huaqing Jing: Tianjin University
Yunsheng Dou: Tianjin University
Xinyi Liu: Tianjin University
Mengyao Zhang: Tianjin University
Zitong Qiu: Tianjin University
Zbynek Heger: Mendel University in Brno
Nan Li: Tianjin University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract Dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis plays a pivotal role in the accelerated degradation of cartilage, presenting a notable challenge for effective osteoarthritis (OA) treatment and cartilage regeneration. In this study, we introduced an injectable hydrogel based on streamlined-zinc oxide (ZnO), which is responsive to matrix metallopeptidase (MMP), for the delivery of miR-17-5p. This approach aimed to address cartilage damage by regulating ECM homeostasis. The ZnO/miR-17-5p composite functions by releasing zinc ions to attract native bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, thereby fostering ECM synthesis through the proliferation of new chondrocytes. Concurrently, sustained delivery of miR-17-5p targets enzymes responsible for matrix degradation, thereby mitigating the catabolic process. Notably, the unique structure of the streamlined ZnO nanoparticles is distinct from their conventional spherical counterparts, which not only optimizes the rheological and mechanical properties of the hydrogels, but also enhances the efficiency of miR-17-5p transfection. Our male rat model demonstrated that the combination of streamlined ZnO, MMP-responsive hydrogels, and miRNA-based therapy effectively managed the equilibrium between catabolism and anabolism within the ECM, presenting a fresh perspective in the realm of OA treatment.

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59725-y Abstract (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59725-y

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://www.nature.com/ncomms/

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59725-y

Access Statistics for this article

Nature Communications is currently edited by Nathalie Le Bot, Enda Bergin and Fiona Gillespie

More articles in Nature Communications from Nature
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().