Small extracellular vesicles derived from synovial fibroblasts contain distinct miRNA profiles and contribute to chondrocyte damage in osteoarthritis

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) derived from synovial fibroblasts (SF) represent a novel molecular mechanism regulating cartilage erosion in osteoarthritis (OA). However, a comprehensive evaluation using disease relevant cells has not been undertaken. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterise sEV from OA SF and to look at their ability to regulate OA chondrocyte effector responses relevant to disease. Profiling of micro (mi) RNA signatures in sEV and parental OA SF cells was performed. SF and chondrocytes were isolated from OA synovial membrane and cartilage respectively (n = 9). sEV were isolated from OA SF (± IL-1β) conditioned media by ultracentrifugation and characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Particle size was confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). sEV regulation of OA chondrocyte and cartilage effector response was evaluated using qPCR, ELISA and sulphated glycosaminoglycan assay (sGAG). RNA-sequencing was used to establish miRNA signatures in isolated sEV from OA SF. OA SF derived sEV were readily taken up by OA chondrocytes, with increased expression of the catabolic gene MMP 13 (p < 0.01) and decreased expression of the anabolic genes aggrecan and COL2A1 (p < 0.01) observed. Treatment with sEV derived from IL-1β stimulated OA SF significantly decreased expression of aggrecan and COL2A1 (p < 0.001) and increased SOX 9 gene expression (p < 0.05). OA chondrocytes cultured with sEV from either non-stimulated or IL-1β treated OA SF, resulted in a significant increase in the secretion of IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-3 (p < 0.01). Cartilage explants cultured with sEV from SF (± IL-1β) had a significant increase in the release of sGAG (p < 0.01). miRNA signatures differed between parental SF cells and isolated sEV. The recently identified osteoclastogenic regulator miR182, along with miR4472-2, miR1302-3, miR6720, miR6087 and miR4532 were enriched in sEV compared to parental cells, p < 0.01. Signatures were similar in sEVs derived from non-stimulated or IL-1β stimulated SF. OA SF sEV regulate chondrocyte inflammatory and remodelling responses. OA SF sEV have unique signatures compared to parental cells which do not alter with IL-1β stimulation. This study provides insight into a novel regulatory mechanism within the OA joint which could inform future targeted therapy.