HQ Team
November 5, 2025: In the fight against osteoporosis, researchers are harnessing the power of stem cells from human fat to regenerate bone and reverse bone loss. An Osaka Metropolitan University research team has successfully used stem cells extracted from adipose tissue—the body’s fatty tissue—to treat spine fractures in rats that mimic osteoporotic vertebral fractures in humans.
The team, led by Graduate School of Medicine student Yuta Sawada and Dr. Shinji Takahashi, developed the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into three-dimensional spherical clusters called spheroids, which enhance their natural ability to repair tissue. These spheroids were then pre-differentiated into bone cells and combined with β-tricalcium phosphate, a material commonly used for bone reconstruction.
The results, published in Bone & Joint Research, were striking. Rats transplanted with this complex showed significantly improved bone regeneration and strength. The researchers also found that genes involved in bone formation and regeneration were activated.
“This study has revealed the potential of bone differentiation spheroids using ADSCs for the development of new treatments for spinal fractures,” said Sawada. He emphasized the patient safety benefits, noting that “since the cells are obtained from fat, there is little burden on the body”.
Body’s natural bone bank
Adipose tissue is now recognized as one of the richest and most accessible sources of adult stem cells in the human body. These adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into several cell types, including bone cells (osteoblasts), cartilage, and fat cells .
For bone regeneration, ADSCs offer distinct clinical advantages. They can be easily harvested in large quantities through minimally invasive procedures like liposuction, causing little donor site morbidity. From just one gram of adipose tissue, approximately 5,000 stem cells can be obtained—a yield significantly higher than from bone marrow, the traditional stem cell source This is particularly beneficial for elderly patients, who are most affected by osteoporosis but may have limited bone marrow stem cell function .
Targeting the bone loss protein
In a complementary breakthrough, researchers at UC Davis Health have identified a key protein responsible for bone deterioration, opening another promising avenue for treatment .
Their study, published in Nature Communications, found that a protein called Basigin becomes activated in stem cells when steroids are administered. Glucocorticoids, like prednisone, are widely used anti-inflammatory drugs, but long-term use can weaken bones and increase fracture risk. Basigin disrupts the normal function of skeletal stem cells and blood vessel cells in bone tissue, leading to bone loss
The research team discovered that by blocking Basigin with an antibody, they could not only prevent bone loss but also restore bone strength during steroid exposure. Importantly, this approach also worked in older, geriatric mice, which showed improved bone mass after treatment –.
“This discovery opens the door to new treatments that protect bone health during steroid therapy and aging — potentially improving quality of life for millions,” said Dr. Nancy E. Lane, a corresponding author of the study.
Future of cell-free therapy: Exosomes
Beyond whole stem cells, scientists are exploring a cell-free alternative that may be safer and easier to manufacture: exosomes. These are tiny extracellular vesicles (30-150 nanometers in diameter) naturally released by stem cells that carry a cargo of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids .
In bone regeneration, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) act as messengers, delivering osteogenic proteins and activating bone-forming pathways in recipient cells . A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies found that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles significantly improved bone mineral density, bone volume, and trabecular structure in osteoporosis models .
The potential of these “cell-free but cell-based” therapies is driving a new wave of research focused on optimizing and engineering exosomes for even greater therapeutic effect.
These converging lines of research from institutions around the world paint a hopeful picture for the future of osteoporosis treatment. The work on ADSCs and Basigin inhibition, combined with advanced delivery platforms like 3D-printed scaffolds and injectable gels, is creating a powerful toolkit for tackling bone loss.
As Dr. Takahashi from Osaka Metropolitan University stated, “This simple and effective method can treat even difficult fractures and may accelerate healing. This technique is expected to become a new treatment that helps extend the healthy life of patients.”
While further clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in humans, the foundation is being laid for a new era of regenerative medicine where a patient’s own fat could become the source of a treatment that restores their strength and mobility.
