Chemotactic recruitment of genetically engineered cell membrane-camouflaged metal−organic framework nanoparticles for ischemic osteonecrosis treatment

Ischemic osteonecrosis, particularly glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GIONFH), is primarily due to the dysfunction of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. miRNA, as a therapeutic system with immense potential, plays a vital role in the treatment of various diseases. However, due to the unique microenvironmental structure of bone tissue, especially in the case of GIONFH, where there is a deficiency in the vascular system, it is challenging to effectively target and deliver to the ischemic osteonecrosis area. A drug delivery system assisted by genetically engineered cell membranes holds promise in addressing the challenge of targeted miRNA delivery. Herein, we leverage the potential of miR-21 in modulating osteogenesis and angiogenesis to design an innovative biomimetic nanoplatform system. First, we employed metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as the core structure to load miR-21-m (miR-21-m@MOF). The nanoparticles were further coated with the membrane of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing CXCR4 (CM-miR-21-m@MOF), enhancing their ability to target ischemic bone areas via the CXCR4-SDF1 axis. These biomimetic nanocomposites possess both bone-targeting and ischemia-guiding capabilities, actively targeting GIONFH lesions to release miR-21-m into target cells, thereby silencing PTEN gene and activating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway to regulate osteogenesis and angiogenesis. This innovative miRNA delivery system provides a promising therapeutic avenue for GIONFH and potentially other related ischemic bone diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1. CXCR4-Engineered Membranes Enhance Targeting for Ischemic Osteonecrosis. 2. miR-21-Based Gene Therapy for Regulating Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis. 3. Expanding the Use of Membrane-Cloaked MOF Nanoparticles.