The book explores the latest discoveries about vesicle mineralization

FAPESP Agency – Researchers associated with the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FFCLRP-USP) launched the book Mineralization of vesicles: from biochemical and biophysical properties to their roles in physiology and disease (Editora Academic Press, 2023), which explores the latest discoveries about vesicle mineralization and its impact on bone physiology and pathology.

The work contains at least eight chapters contributed by members of the thematic project.”Study the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the initiation, propagation, regeneration and formation of biomineralization“, funded by FAPESP and coordinated by Prof Pietro Ciancaglinifrom FFCLRP-USP.

“Our research groups have been working in the area for more than 15 years, and have received several grants from FAPESP. In the ongoing theme, we have brought together collaborators from the fields of chemistry, pharmacy and dentistry, in an integrated and interdisciplinary way. FAPESP Agency Karina Bezerra Salomao Xaviera postdoctoral fellow at the University of the South Pacific in Ribeirão Preto and one of the book's collaborators.

The publication covers studies on extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are biologically active organelles that have an important role in cell-to-cell communication, as they have the ability to transport molecules such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. In this way, they function in signaling and influencing various cellular functions. Since the molecular components of vesicles can provide information about the physiology and pathology of the original tissue, these vesicles have been highlighted as biomarkers of disease progression.

The mineralized vesicles, highlighted in the book, arise from a class of extracellular vesicles, as explained by Xavier: “A special class of EVs, called matrix vesicles [MVs]are champions of one of the most accepted theories of the formation of the first hydroxyapatite crystals and the diffusion of the mineral to form bone in vertebrates.

“However, there are still gaps in this theory that need to be studied, such as: What is the active role of vesicles in the process? What is the role of the proteins/enzymes that form them? How could interactions between collagen and the proteins/enzymes in the vesicles be responsible for nucleation And the consequent spread of mineralization? How do these interactions regulate the process of MV-mediated mineralization? How do pH and substrates affect the formation and spread of hydroxyapatite crystals mediated by MVs? Through such questions, our research group has isolated extracellular vesicles in sufficient quality and quantity to understand the nature of the interactions Between native vesicles and bone-forming proteins. [que participam da proliferação do tecido ósseo]”, adds the researcher.

The work also updates important topics that integrate lines of research, including the biological, biochemical and functional properties of mineralization vesicles, building simulation models and methodologies for studies and their potential biomedical applications.

“This is the first work that presents the state-of-the-art in the mineralization properties of extracellular vesicles and their potential clinical applications. It is an invaluable tool for researchers in this field,” highlights Xavier.

The book is written in English and is aimed at an audience of postgraduate studies and scientific research. It contains 446 pages and can be purchased from Amazon website For R$ 887.83, in physical format, and R$ 684.98 in e-book format.