Characterization of the Angiogenic and Proteomic Features of Circulating Exosomes in a Canine Mandibular Model of Distraction Osteogenesis

Abstract

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) represents a highly effective method for addressing significant bone defects; however, it necessitates a long treatment period. Exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication. To investigate their role in the angiogenesis and osteogenesis of DO, we established a canine mandibular DO model with a bone defect (BD) group as the control. Higher levels of angiogenesis were observed in the regenerating tissue from the DO group compared to those from the BD group, accompanied by earlier osteogenesis. Proteomic analysis was performed on circulating exosomes at different phases of the DO using a data-independent acquisition method. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD050531. The results indicated specific alterations in circulating exosome proteins at different phases of DO, reflecting the regenerative activities in the corresponding tissues. Notably, fibronectin 1 (FN1), thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) emerged as potential candidate proteins related to the angiogenic response in DO. Further cellular experiments validated the potential of DO-associated circulating exosomes to promote angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Collectively, these data reveal previously unknown mechanisms that may underlie the efficacy of DO and suggest that exosome-derived proteins may be useful as therapeutic targets for strategies designed to improve DO-related angiogenesis and bone regeneration.