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©Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See Permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Stem Cells. Feb 26, 2026; 18(2): 114303
Published online Feb 26, 2026. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i2.114303
Targeting mitochondrial quality control in osteoarthritis with GrpE-like 1-loaded synovial mesenchymal stromal/stem cell small extracellular vesicles
Zhuo-Jin Shi, Xiao-Mei Ying, Wei Liu
Zhuo-Jin Shi, School/Hospital of Stomatology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China
Xiao-Mei Ying, Wei Liu, Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
Author contributions: Shi ZJ and Ying XM conducted literature review and drafted the manuscript; Liu W conceptualized the study, provided critical revisions, and supervised the overall work.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Wei Liu, Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China. liuwei1982@zju.edu.cn
Received: September 16, 2025
Revised: November 2, 2025
Accepted: January 20, 2026
Published online: February 26, 2026
Processing time: 151 Days and 17.3 Hours
Core Tip

Core Tip: This editorial frames GrpE-like 1-loaded synovial extracellular vesicles as a mitochondria-centric strategy for osteoarthritis and translates bench evidence into an executable roadmap. We operationalize identity/purity panels, dual-metric dose (particles and protein), shared exposure anchors, and a mechanism-linked potency assay for lot release and comparability. Early trials should prespecify Outcome Measures in Rheumatology-Osteoarthritis Research Society International endpoints with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging cartilage thickness as an exploratory structural anchor. Transparent method registration and time-bounded regulatory messaging are emphasized to improve reproducibility, cross-study comparison, and readiness for first-in-human evaluation.