Osteoblasts and osteoclasts play crucial roles in bone formation and bone resorption. We found that plum-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PENVs) suppressed osteoclast activation and modulated osteoblast differentiation. PENVs increased the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and osteoblasts from mouse bone marrow cultures. Notably, PENVs elevated the expression of osteoblastic transcription factors and osteoblast differentiation marker proteins in MC3T3-E1 cells. Higher levels of phosphorylated BMP-2, p38, JNK, and smad1 proteins were detected in PENV-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. Additionally, the number of TRAP-positive cells was significantly decreased in PENV-treated osteoclasts isolated from osteoblasts from mouse bone marrow cultures. Importantly, osteoclastogenesis of marker proteins such as PPAR-gamma, NFATc1, and c-Fos were suppressed by treatment with PENVs (50 μg/mL). Taken together, these results demonstrate that PENVs can be used as therapeutic targets for treating bone-related diseases by improving osteoblast differentiation and inhibiting osteoclast activation for the first time.

Traditional pig breeding has improved production traits but faces limitations in genetic diversity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation. Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing, enable precise genetic modifications, overcoming these limitations and expanding applications to biomedical research. Here, we reviewed the advancements in gene editing technologies in pigs and explored pathways toward optimized swine genetics for a resilient and adaptive livestock industry. This review synthesizes recent research on gene editing tools applied to pigs, focusing on CRISPR/Cas9 and its derivatives. It examines their impact on critical swine production traits and their role as human disease models. Significant advancements have been made in targeting genes for disease resistance, such as those conferring immunity to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses. Additionally, gene-edited pigs are increasingly used as models for human diseases, demonstrating the technology’s broader applications. However, challenges such as off-target effects, ethical concerns, and varying regulatory frameworks remain. Gene editing holds substantial potential for sustainable and productive livestock production by enhancing key traits and supporting biomedical applications. Addressing technical and ethical challenges through integrated approaches will be essential to realize its full potential, ensuring a resilient, ethical, and productive livestock sector for future generations

Haesun Lee, Woncheoul Park, Jingu No, Nam Woong Hyung, Ju-Yeong Lee, Seokho Kim, Hyeon Yang, Poongyeon Lee, Eunju Kim, Keon Bong Oh, Jae Gyu Yoo, and Seunghoon Lee. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2024;34:1484-90. https://doi.org/10.4014/jmb.2402.02018

Wi H, et al. J Vet Sci. 2021 Jul;22(5):e63. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e63

Sung-Sik Kang, Sang-Rae Cho, Ui-Hyung Kim, Yonghwan Kim, Seok-Dong Lee, Myung-Suk Lee, Eunju Kim, Jeong-Il Won, Shil Jin, Hyoun-Ju Kim, Sungwoo Kim, Sun-Sik Jang and Seunghoon Lee. Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology 2024;39:40-7. https://doi.org/10.12750/JARB.39.1.40

Investigated the effect and mechanism of ascorbic acid on the development of porcine embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Porcine embryos were produced by SCNT and cultured in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid. Ten-eleven translocation 3 (TET3) in oocytes was knocked down by siRNA injection. After ascorbic acid treatment, reprogramming genes were analyzed by realtime reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, relative 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine content in pronucleus were detected by realtime PCR. Ascorbic acid significantly increased the development of porcine embryos produced by SCNT. After SCNT, transcript levels of reprogramming genes, Pou5f1, Sox2, and Klf were significantly increased in blastocysts. Furthermore, ascorbic acid reduced 5-methylcytosine content in pronuclear embryos compared with the control group. Knock down of TET3 in porcine oocytes significantly prevents the demethylation of somatic cell nucleus after SCNT, even if in the presence of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid enhanced the development of porcine SCNT embryos via the increased TET3 mediated demethylation of somatic nucleus.