Engineering a skeletal muscle model to study extracellular vesicle dynamics
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Skeletal muscle (SM) functions both mechanically and as a secretory organ, releasing myokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) involved in myogenic regulation and inter-tissue communication. While 3D bioengineered SM models are widely used for studying muscle physiology, few have been applied to investigate EV dynamics. This study optimised a 3D SM model to support mature myotube formation and evaluated its utility for SM-EV analysis. Myosin heavy chain expression was reduced at higher Matrigel ® concentrations (40%–60% v/v), highlighting the importance of matrix composition in model design. EVs were successfully isolated using size-exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration, with yield influenced by cellular differentiation status. Common EV markers (Alix, CD9, CD63) were consistently expressed. Importantly, sarcoplasmic reticulum markers α- and β-sarcoglycan were identified in SM-EV preparations. These findings validate our SM model as a defined platform for studying SM-EV biology and defining molecular cargo.
Source: Journal of Tissue Engineering
Institution: Loughborough University
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,650
Funders: Wellcome Trust, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, UK Government, National Institute for Health and Care Research, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Academy of Medical Sciences, Loughborough University, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre
OpenAlex ID: W7150860704