Poster abstracts

Poster number 71 submitted by Mia Kordowski

Functionalized engineered extracellular vesicles for targeted delivery to intervertebral disc cells

Mia Kordowski (Biophysics), Justin Richards (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University), Khady Diop (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University), Elizabeth Yu (Department of Orthopedics, Ohio State University), Devina Purmessur (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University), Natalia Higuita-Castro (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ohio State University)

Abstract:
Chronic low back pain is a significant contributor to disability worldwide, particularly among older adults, presenting a global healthcare challenge with limited accessible treatments [1]. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a key factor exacerbating this issue, characterized by structural and mechanical changes, inflammation, and loss of extracellular matrix components [2]. The IVD is a shock-absorbing and motion-facilitating joint between the vertebrae of the spinal column comprised of an interior region known as the nucleus pulposus (NP) and exterior annulus fibrosis (AF). Developmental transcription factors (TFs) have been identified which have shown promise in reprogramming degenerate NP and AF cells to a healthier phenotype. Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs)-based nano-carriers can effectively deliver TFs in vitro and in vivo, presenting a potential therapeutic avenue. Our goal is to engineer EVs loaded with TFs and functionalized with transmembrane ligands to drive targeted EV-uptake by degenerate NP and AF cells. Our data indicates successful targeted EV-uptake by NP or AF cells, and successful reprogramming of degenerate IVD cells to a pro-anabolic phenotype.

References:
[1] Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet. (2015).
[2] Kirnaz S, et al. Fundamentals of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. World Neurosurg. (2022).

Keywords: Extracellular vesicles, Non-viral gene delivery, Cellular reprogramming