Diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of exosomal microRNAs in renal cancer

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arises from the tubular epithelial cells of the nephron. It has the highest mortality rate among urological cancers. There are no effective therapeutic approaches and no non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and follow-up. Thus, suitable novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets are essential for improving RCC diagnosis/prognosis and treatment. Circulating exosomes such as exosomal microRNAs (Exo-miRs) provide non-invasive prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers and valuable therapeutic targets, as they can be easily isolated and quantified and show high sensitivity and specificity. Exosomes secreted by an RCC can exhibit alterations in the miRs' profile that may reflect the cellular origin and (patho)physiological state, as a ''signature'' or ''fingerprint'' of the donor cell. It has been shown that the transportation of renal-specific miRs in exosomes can be rapidly detected and measured, holding great potential as biomarkers in RCC. The present review highlights the studies reporting tumor microenvironment-derived Exo-miRs with therapeutic potential as well as circulating Exo-miRs as potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in patients with RCC.

Human gestational diabetes mellitus-derived exosomes impair glucose homeostasis in pregnant mice and stimulate functional maturation of offspring-islets

AIMS

Pancreatic islets undergo critical development and functional maturation during the perinatal period when they are highly sensitive to microenvironment. We aim to determine the effects and mechanisms of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) hypermetabolic stress on glucose homeostasis in pregnant mice and functional maturation of the islets of their offspring.

MAIN METHODS

Exosomes were extracted from the umbilical vein blood of individuals with or without GDM for administration to pregnant mice. The blood glucose, serum insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipopolysaccharide levels were measured in pregnant mice. The expression and localization of insulin, glucagon, PC1/3, PDX1, and p-S6 in the islets of neonatal rats were continuously monitored using immunofluorescence to evaluate their functional status. Primary islet cells were cultured and treated with GDM exosomes and exendin to determine the expression of GLP-1R, AKT, p-AKT, and p-S6 via western blotting.

KEY FINDINGS

GDM exosomes induced remarkable oral glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and metabolic inflammation in pregnant mice. The islets of GDM offspring exhibited high insulin, glucagon, PC1/3, PDX1, and p-S6 expression at and after birth, and activation of the local GLP-1/GLP-1R axis. The functional maturation of normal-offspring islets did not commence until after birth, while it was activated prior to birth in GDM offspring, seriously disrupting the whole process. GDM exosomes activated the GLP-1/GLP-1R axis between α and β cells, and stimulated functional maturation of β cells via the Akt-mTORC1-pS6 pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings provide preliminary insights into the mechanisms underlying the high incidence of diabetes in the offspring of mothers with GDM.

Therapeutic effects of coptisine derivative EHLJ7 on colorectal cancer by inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world with high mortality rate. EHLJ7 is a quaternary coptisine derivative synthesized by our institute. In this study, the role and mechanism of EHLJ7 on CRC are further elucidated. Using target fishing, colon cancer-associated target screening and molecular docking analysis, PI3K/AKT pathway was selected for the target of EHLJ7 at CRC. Results of Flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell migration assay confirmed that EHLJ7 could inhibit migration and apoptosis of colon cancer cells by specifically inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway in vitro. Xenograft tumor models and a newly established azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)/Peptostreptococcus anaerobiu (P.anaerobius)-induced CRC mouse model are applied to access the anti-cancer action and mechanism of EHLJ7 using western-blot, immunohistochemistry and analysis of exosomes. The key findings in this study are listed as follows: (1) EHLJ7 exerts superior anti-tumor effect with good safety on Xenograft tumor model and CRC model; (2) EHLJ7 exerted its anti-CRC effect by specifically inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. In summary, we demonstrated that EHLJ7 exerts therapeutic effect against CRC by PI3K/AKT pathway, which made it possible as a potentially effective compound for the treatment of CRC.

Mysterious interactions between macrophage-derived exosomes and tumors; what do we know?

Through their ability to modify the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells, macrophages play a crucial role in the promotion of tumorigenesis, development of tumors and metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. A growing body of research has indicated that exosomes may be essential for coordinating the communication between cancer cells and macrophages. One type of extracellular vehicle called an exosome is utilized for delivering a variety of molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, to specific cells in order to produce pleiotropic effects. Exosomes derived from macrophages exhibit heterogeneity across various cancer types and function paradoxically, suppressing tumor growth while stimulating it, primarily through post-transcriptional control and protein phosphorylation regulation in the receiving cells. Exosomes released by various macrophage phenotypes offer a variety of therapeutic alternatives in the interim. We outlined the most recent developments in this article, including our understanding of the roles that mechanisms and macrophage-derived exosomal biogenesis play in mediating the progression of cancer and their possible therapeutic uses.

Analysis of biomarkers in speculative CNS-enriched extracellular vesicles for parkinsonian disorders: a comprehensive systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Parkinsonian disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal syndrome (CBS), exhibit overlapping early-stage symptoms, complicating definitive diagnosis despite heterogeneous cellular and regional pathophysiology. Additionally, the progression and the eventual conversion of prodromal conditions such as REM behavior disorder (RBD) to PD, MSA, or DLB remain challenging to predict. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-enclosed structures released by cells, playing a vital role in communicating cell-state-specific messages. Due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier into the peripheral circulation, measuring biomarkers in blood-isolated speculative CNS enriched EVs has become a popular diagnostic approach. However, replication and independent validation remain challenging in this field. Here, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of speculative CNS-enriched EVs for parkinsonian disorders.

METHODS

We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis, covering 18 studies with a total of 1695 patients with PD, 253 with MSA, 21 with DLB, 172 with PSP, 152 with CBS, 189 with RBD, and 1288 HCs, employing either hierarchical bivariate models or univariate models based on study size.

RESULTS

Diagnostic accuracy was moderate for differentiating patients with PD from HCs, but revealed high heterogeneity and significant publication bias, suggesting an inflation of the perceived diagnostic effectiveness. The bias observed indicates that studies with non-significant or lower effect sizes were less likely to be published. Although results for differentiating patients with PD from those with MSA or PSP and CBS appeared promising, their validity is limited due to the small number of involved studies coming from the same research group. Despite initial reports, our analyses suggest that using speculative CNS-enriched EV biomarkers may not reliably differentiate patients with MSA from HCs or patients with RBD from HCs, due to their lesser accuracy and substantial variability among the studies, further complicated by substantial publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the moderate, yet unreliable diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers in speculative CNS-enriched EVs in differentiating parkinsonian disorders, highlighting the presence of substantial heterogeneity and significant publication bias. These observations reinforce the need for larger, more standardized, and unbiased studies to validate the utility of these biomarkers but also call for the development of better biomarkers for parkinsonian disorders.

Trans-3, 5, 4'-trimethoxystilbene restrains non-small-cell lung carcinoma progression via suppressing M2 polarization through inhibition of m6A modified circPACRGL-mediated Hippo signaling

BACKGROUND

Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounts for ∼85% of all lung carcinomas. Trans-3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene (TMS) shows strong anti-tumor activity and induces tumor cell apoptosis. However, its function and mechanism in NSCLC still require investigation.

METHODS

PMA was used to treated THP-1 cells for macrophage differentiation. The abundance and m6A modification of circPACRGL were examined with qRT-PCR and MeRIP. Colony forming, transwell, wound healing, and Western blotting assays were applied to analyze proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT. Macrophage polarization was determined through flow cytometry analysis of M1 and M2 markers. The interplay between circPACRGL, IGF2BP2 and YAP1 was validated by RNA pull-down and RIP assays. Mice received subcutaneous injection of NSCLC cells as a mouse model of subcutaneous tumor.

RESULTS

CircPACRGL was upregulated in NSCLC cells, but it was reduced by TMS treatment. CircPACRGL depletion blocked proliferation, migration, and invasion in H1299 and H1975 cells. TMS suppressed these malignant behaviors, but it was abolished by circPACRGL overexpression. In addition, NSCLC-derived exosomes delivered circPACRGL into THP-1 cells to promote its M2 polarization, but TMS inhibited these effects by downregulating exosomal circPACRGL. Mechanically, exosomal circPACRGL bound to IGF2BP2 to improve the stability of YAP1 mRNA and regulate Hippo signaling in polarized THP-1 cells. TMS inhibited NSCLC growth via suppressing Hippo signaling and M2 polarization in vivo.

CONCLUSION

TMS restrains M2 polarization and NSCLC progression by reducing circPACRGL and inhibiting exosomal circPACRGL-mediated Hippo signaling. Thus, these findings provide a novel mechanism underlying NSCLC progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Deficiency of circ_0103809 Attenuates Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Malignant Progression by Controlling miR-153-3p/HDAC1 Network

Circular RNAs are vital players in tumorigenesis. We held the purpose to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0103809 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expressions of circ_0103809, miR-153-3p and HDAC1 mRNA were determined using quantitative real-time PCR assay, and HDAC1 protein was quantified using western blot analysis. MTT, EdU, flow cytometry, tube-formation, wound healing and tube-formation assays were conducted for functional analysis. The predicted relationship among circ_0103809, miR-153-3p and HDAC1 was ascertained using dual-luciferase analysis, RIP assay and pull-down analysis. Animal models were further constructed to realize circ_0103809's role in vivo. Circ_0103809 was upregulated NSCLC specimens, cells and serum-derived exosomes. Serum exosomal circ_0103809 had the potency to be a diagnostic biomarker for NSCLC. Circ_0103809 silencing inhibited NSCLC cell growth, metastasis and angiogenesis and triggered cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Circ_0103809 deficiency also suppressed the growth of transplanted tumors. Circ_0103809 acted as the miR-153-3p sponge, and the biological effects of circ_0103809 knockdown were relieved by miR-153-3p inhibition. HDAC1 was directly targeted by miR-153-3p, and miR-153-3p enrichment inhibited NSCLC cell malignant phenotypes by sequestering HDAC1. Circ_0103809 knockdown repressed NSCLC malignant progression partly by regulating miR-153-3p/HDAC1 signaling.

Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alleviate biliary ischemia reperfusion injury in fatty liver transplantation by inhibiting ferroptosis

Fatty liver grafts are susceptible to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), increasing the risk of biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT). Ferroptosis, a newly recognized programmed cell death, is expected to be a novel therapeutic target for IRI. We investigated whether exosomes derived from heme oxygenase 1-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HExos) relieve ferroptosis and protect biliary tracts from IRI in a rat fatty liver transplantation model. Rats were fed with a methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet for 2 weeks to induce severe hepatic steatosis. Steatotic grafts were implanted and HExos were administered after liver transplantation. A series of functional assays and pathological analysis were performed to assess ferroptosis and biliary IRI. The HExos attenuated IRI following liver transplantation, as demonstrated by less ferroptosis, improved liver function, less Kupffer and T cell activation, and less long-term biliary fibrosis. MicroRNA (miR)-204-5p delivered by HExos negatively regulated ferroptosis by targeting a key pro-ferroptosis enzyme, ACSL4. Ferroptosis contributes to biliary IRI in fatty liver transplantation. HExos protect steatotic grafts by inhibiting ferroptosis, and may become a promising strategy to prevent biliary IRI and expand the donor pool.

Generalizable anchor aptamer strategy for loading nucleic acid therapeutics on exosomes

Clinical deployment of oligonucleotides requires delivery technologies that improve stability, target tissue accumulation and cellular internalization. Exosomes show potential as ideal delivery vehicles. However, an affordable generalizable system for efficient loading of oligonucleotides on exosomes remain lacking. Here, we identified an Exosomal Anchor DNA Aptamer (EAA) via SELEX against exosomes immobilized with our proprietary CP05 peptides. EAA shows high binding affinity to different exosomes and enables efficient loading of nucleic acid drugs on exosomes. Serum stability of thrombin inhibitor NU172 was prolonged by exosome-loading, resulting in increased blood flow after injury in vivo. Importantly, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy PMO can be readily loaded on exosomes via EAA (EXOEAA-PMO). EXOEAA-PMO elicited significantly greater muscle cell uptake, tissue accumulation and dystrophin expression than PMO in vitro and in vivo. Systemic administration of EXOEAA-PMO elicited therapeutic levels of dystrophin restoration and functional improvements in mdx mice. Altogether, our study demonstrates that EAA enables efficient loading of different nucleic acid drugs on exosomes, thus providing an easy and generalizable strategy for loading nucleic acid therapeutics on exosomes.

Machine learning-based exosome profiling of multi-receptor SERS sensors for differentiating adenocarcinoma in situ from early-stage invasive adenocarcinoma

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles released by cells, hold potential as diagnostic markers for the early detection of lung cancer. Despite their clinical promise, current technologies lack rapid and effective means to discriminate between exosomes derived from adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and early-stage invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC). This challenge arises from the intrinsic structural heterogeneity of exosomes, necessitating the development of advanced methodologies for precise differentiation. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach for plasma exosome detection utilizing multi-receptor surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology to differentiate between AIS and early-stage IAC. To accomplish this, we synthesized a stable and uniform two-dimensional SERS substrate (BC/Au NPs film) by fabricating gold nanoparticles onto bacterial cellulose. We then enhanced its capabilities by introducing multi-receptor SERS functionality via modifying the substrate with both low-specificity and physicochemical-selective molecules. Furthermore, by strategically combining all capturer-exosome SERS spectra, comprehensive "combined-SERS spectra" are reconstructed to enhance spectral variations of the exosome. Combining these features with partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) modeling significantly improved discriminatory accuracy, achieving 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity in distinguishing AIS from early-stage IAC. Our developed SERS sensor provides an effective method for early detection of lung cancer, thereby paving a new way for innovative advancements in diagnosing lung cancer.

Fructobacillus fructosus OS-1010 strain stimulates intestinal cells to secrete exosomes that activate muscle cells

Fructobacillus is a lactic-acid bacterium recently identified in fructose-rich environments. Fructobacillus is also known to exhibit unusual growth characteristics due to an incomplete gene encoding alcohol/acetaldehyde hydrogenase, which results in an imbalance in the nicotinamide adenine mononucleotide (NAD+)/NADN levels. Recently, the addition of d-fructose to the culture medium of Fructobacillus strains increased the intracellular nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) content. In the present study, we evaluated the functionality of Fructobacillus that produces high levels of NMN, using one substrain (Fructobacillus fructosus OS-1010). Therefore, in this study, we examined its functionality in the interaction between intestinal cells and muscle cells. The results showed that supernatant derived from intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 cells) treated with F. fructosus OS-1010 activated muscle cells (C2C12 cells). Further analysis revealed that Caco-2 cells treated with F. fructosus OS-1010 secreted exosomes known as extracellular vesicles, which activated the muscle cells. Furthermore, pathway analysis of the target genes of miRNA in exosomes revealed that pathways involved in muscle cell activation, including insulin signaling and cardiac muscle regulation, neurotrophic factors, longevity, and anti-aging, can be activated by exosomes. In other words, F. fructosus OS-1010 could activate various cells such as the skin and muscle cells, by secreting functional exosomes from the intestinal tract.

The role of miR-222-2p in exosomes secreted by hexavalent chromium-induced premature senescent hepatocytes as a SASP component

With the development of world industrialization, the environmental pollution of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is becoming an increasingly serious problem. In particular, the mechanisms by which long-term and low-dose exposure to Cr(VI) leading the development of related cancers are not well understood. As senescent cells gradually lose their ability to proliferate and divide, they will not be malignantly transformed. However, Senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) released by senescent cells into the cellular microenvironment can act on neighboring cells. Since SASP has a bidirectional regulatory role in the malignant transformation of cells. Hence, It is very necessary to identified the composition and function of SASP which secreted by Cr(VI) induced senescent L02 hepatocytes (S-L02). Exosomes, a vesicle-like substances released extracellularly after the fusion of intracellular multivesicular bodies with cell membrane, are important components of SASP and contain a large number of microRNAs (miRNAs). By establishing Cr(VI)-induced S-L02 model, we collected the exosomes from the supernatants of S-L02 and L02 culture medium respectively, and screened out the highly expressed miRNAs in the exosomes of S-L02, namely the new SASP components. Among them, the increase of miR-222-5p was the most significant. It was validated that as SASP, miR-222-5p can inhibit the proliferation of L02 and S-L02 hepatocytes and at the same time accelerate the proliferation and migration ability of HCC cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that miR-222-5p attenuated the regulatory effect of protein phosphatase 2A subunit B isoform R2-α (PPP2R2A) on Akt via repressing its target gene PPP2R2A, causing reduced expressions of forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a), p27 and p21, and finally increasing the proliferation of HCC cells after diminishing the negative regulation of on cell cycle. This study certainly provides valuable laboratory evidence as well as potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and further personalized treatment of Cr(VI)-associated cancers.

BMSCs-derived Exosome CISH Alleviates Myocardial Infarction by Inactivating the NF-κB Pathway to Stimulate Macrophage M2 Polarization

Current myocardial infarction (MI) treatments are suboptimal, necessitating deeper pathogenesis understanding of MI. This research explored how exosomes (Exo) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) contribute to MI mitigation and their therapeutic potential. Isolated BMSCs was identified by microscope, flow cytometry, alizarin red and oil red O staining. Exo were identified by TEM, NTA and western blot. HE staining, masson staining, and cardiac function parameters were used to assess the cardiac function in MI mice. TUNEL staining, western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect apoptosis, inflammatory factors and M1/M2 markers. The NF-κB pathway activation was detected through western blot assays. Immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate macrophage polarization. MI mice showed cardiac injury, increased apoptosis and inflammation, while BMSCs-Exo treatment alleviated these effects. In MI mice, the macrophage M1 polarization was increased and the NF-κB pathway was activated, whereas BMSCs-Exo treatment reversed these changes. Furthermore, CISH expression was reduced in MI mice, but was elevated with BMSCs-Exo treatment. In vitro, LPS shifted RAW264.7 cells to M1 phenotype and activated the NF-κB pathway, yet BMSCs-Exo shifted them to M2 phenotype and inhibited the NF-κB pathway. Mechanistically, BMSCs-Exo induced macrophage M2 polarization by transmitting CISH to inhibit NF-κB activation. BMSCs-Exo mitigates MI by transmitting CISH to inhibit the NF-κB pathway, promoting macrophages to M2 type. This implies BMSCs-Exo could be a useful treatment for MI, and CISH could be a potential therapy target.

Navigating the future of retinitis pigmentosa treatments: A comprehensive analysis of therapeutic approaches in rd10 mice

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a degenerative disease, caused by genetic mutations that lead to a loss in photoreceptors. For research on RP, rd10 mice, which carry mutations in the phosphodiesterase (PDE) gene, exhibit degenerative patterns comparable to those of patients with RP, making them an ideal model for investigating potential treatments. Although numerous studies have reported the potential of biochemical drugs, gene correction, and stem cell transplantation in decelerating rd10 retinal degeneration, a comprehensive review of these studies has yet to be conducted. Therefore, here, a comparative analysis of rd10 mouse treatment research over the past decade was performed. Our findings suggest that biochemical drugs capable of inhibiting the inflammatory response may be promising therapeutics. Additionally, significant progress has been made in the field of gene therapy; nevertheless, challenges such as strict delivery requirements, bystander editing, and off-target effects still need to be resolved. Nevertheless, secretory function is the only unequivocal protective effect of stem cell transplantation. In summary, this review presents a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the treatment approaches employing rd10 mice as experimental subjects, describing a clear pathway for future RP treatment research and identifies potential clinical interventions.

Critical role of exosome, exosomal non-coding RNAs and non-coding RNAs in head and neck cancer angiogenesis

Head and neck cancer (HNC) refers to the epithelial malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract. HNCs have a constant yet slow-growing rate with an unsatisfactory overall survival rate globally. The development of new blood vessels from existing blood conduits is regarded as angiogenesis, which is implicated in the growth, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Aberrant angiogenesis is a known contributor to human cancer progression. Representing a promising therapeutic target, the blockade of angiogenesis aids in the reduction of the tumor cells oxygen and nutrient supplies. Despite the promise, the association of existing anti-angiogenic approaches with severe side effects, elevated cancer regrowth rates, and limited survival advantages is incontrovertible. Exosomes appear to have an essential contribution to the support of vascular proliferation, the regulation of tumor growth, tumor invasion, and metastasis, as they are a key mediator of information transfer between cells. In the exocrine region, various types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) identified to be enriched and stable and contribute to the occurrence and progression of cancer. Mounting evidence suggest that exosome-derived ncRNAs are implicated in tumor angiogenesis. In this review, the characteristics of angiogenesis, particularly in HNC, and the impact of ncRNAs on HNC angiogenesis will be outlined. Besides, we aim to provide an insight on the regulatory role of exosomes and exosome-derived ncRNAs in angiogenesis in different types of HNC.

Engineered exosomes with enhanced stability and delivery efficiency for glioblastoma therapy

Due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the application of chemical drugs for glioblastoma treatment is severely limited. Recently, exosomes have been widely applied for drug delivery to the brain. However, the differences in brain targeting efficiency among exosomes derived from different cell sources, as well as the premature drug leakage during circulation, still limit the therapeutic efficacy. Here, we designed a functional oligopeptide-modified exosome loaded with doxorubicin (Pep2-Exos-DOX) for glioblastoma treatment. BV2 mouse microglial cell line was selected as the exosome source due to the favorable BBB penetration. To avoid drug release in the circulation, a redox-response oligopeptide was designed for incorporation into the membranes of exosomes to lock the drug during circulation. The enrichment of the drug in glioblastoma was confirmed. Pharmacodynamic evaluation showed Pep2-Exos-DOX possessed significant anti-cancer activity against glioblastoma as well as relative biosafety. This exosome-based drug delivery system modified with redox-response oligopeptides provides us a novel strategy for brain diseases treatment.

MicroRNA-155 and exosomal microRNA-155: Small pieces in the cardiovascular diseases puzzle

MicroRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) are known to have a part in various human illnesses, such as those related to the heart. One particular miRNA, miR-155, has been extensively studied and has been found to be involved in hematopoietic lineage differentiation, immunity, viral infections, inflammation, as well as vascular remodeling. These processes have all been connected to cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, diabetic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. The impacts of miR-155 depend on the type of cell it is acting on and the specific target genes involved, resulting in different mechanisms of disease. Although, the exact part of miR-155 in cardiovascular illnesses is yet not fully comprehended, as some studies have shown it to promote the development of atherosclerosis while others have shown it to prevent it. As a result, to comprehend the underlying processes of miR-155 in cardiovascular disorders, further thorough study is required. It has been discovered that exosomes that could be absorbed by adjacent or distant cells, control post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by focusing on mRNA. Exosomal miRNAs have been found to have a range of functions, including participating in inflammatory reactions, cell movement, growth, death, autophagy, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. An increasing amount of research indicates that exosomal miRNAs are important for cardiovascular health and have a major role in the development of a number of cardiovascular disorders, including pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Herein the role of miR-155 and its exosomal form in heart diseases are summarized.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: Characteristics and applications in disease pathology and management

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess a role in tissue regeneration and homeostasis because of inherent immunomodulatory capacity and the production of factors that encourage healing. There is substantial evidence that MSCs' therapeutic efficacy is primarily determined by their paracrine function including in cancers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are basic paracrine effectors of MSCs that reside in numerous bodily fluids and cell homogenates and play an important role in bidirectional communication. MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) offer a wide range of potential therapeutic uses that exceed cell treatment, while maintaining protocell function and having less immunogenicity. We describe characteristics and isolation methods of MSC-EVs, and focus on their therapeutic potential describing its roles in tissue repair, anti-fibrosis, and cancer with an emphasis on the molecular mechanism and immune modulation and clinical trials. We also explain current understanding and challenges in the clinical applications of MSC-EVs as a cell free therapy.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles: A novel promising neuroprotective agent for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of neurons in the brain. However, there are no effective drugs for AD. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs-EVs), as a new mediator of intercellular communication, are associated with low immunogenicity, low risk of tumor formation, and good safety profile. Therefore, MSCs-EVs may be a safe and attractive cell-free nanotherapeutics, offering a new perspective for AD treatment. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated that MSCs-EVs have significant neuroprotective effects, the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to: outline the diagnostic and delivery roles of MSCs-EVs for AD treatment; summarize the optimal sources and delivery methods of MSCs-EVs; provide a comprehensive review on the neuroprotective mechanisms of MSCs-EVs; explore how to enhance the neuroprotective effects of MSCs-EVs; and discuss the limitations and potential of their translation to the clinic. Therefore, this study may provide a more precise theoretical reference and practical basis for clinical research of MSCs-EVs.

LRRC59 promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by interacting with SRP pathway components and enhancing the secretion of CKAP4-containing exosomes

Background

As a ribosome receptor, LRRC59 was thought to regulate mRNA translation on the ER membrane. Evidence suggests that LRRC59 is overexpressed in a number of human malignancies and is associated with poor prognoses, but its primary biological function in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains obscure.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate at the expression changes and functional role of LRRC59 in OSCC.

Methods

LRRC59 gene expression and correlation with prognosis of OSCC patients were first examined using the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Following that, a series of functional experiments, including cell counting kit-8, cell cycle analysis, wound healing assays, and transwell assays, were carried out to analyze the biological roles of LRRC59 in tumor cells. Mechanistically, we employed Tandem Affinity Purification-Mass Spectrometry (TAP-MS) approach to isolate and identify protein complexes of LRRC59. Downstream regulatory proteins of LRRC59 were verified through immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments. Furthermore, we isolated exosomes from OSCC cell supernatant and conducted co-culture experiments to examine the effect of LRRC59 knockdown on OSCC cells.

Results

In samples from OSCC patients, LRRC59 was highly expressed and correlated with poor prognoses. Moreover, the gene sets analysis based on TCGA RNA-seq data indicated that LRRC59 seemed to be strongly related with protein secretory and OSCC migration. Upregulated levels of LRRC59 are more prone to lymph node metastasis in OSCC patients. LRRC59 knockdown impaired the ability of OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion invitro. Mechanistically, our TAP-MS data situate LRRC59 in a functional nexus for mRNA translation regulation via interactions with SRP pathway components, translational initiation factors, CRD-mediated mRNA stabilization factors. More importantly, we found that LRRC59 interacted with cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) and promoted the formation of CKAP4-containing exosomes. We also revealed that the LRRC59-CKAP4 axis was a crucial regulator of CKAP4-containing exosome secretion in OSCC cells for migration and invasion.

Conclusions

Therefore, based on our findings, LRRC59 may serve as a potential biomarker for OSCC patients, and LRRC59-induced exosome secretion via the CKAP4 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

Critical role of miR-21/exosomal miR-21 in autophagy pathway

Activation of autophagy, a process of cellular stress response, leads to the breakdown of proteins, organelles, and other parts of the cell in lysosomes, and can be linked to several ailments, such as cancer, neurological diseases, and rare hereditary syndromes. Thus, its regulation is very carefully monitored. Transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms domestically or in whole organisms utilized to control the autophagic activity, have been heavily researched. In modern times, microRNAs (miRNAs) are being considered to have a part in post-translational orchestration of the autophagic activity, with miR-21 as one of the best studied miRNAs, it is often more than expressed in cancer cells. This regulatory RNA is thought to play a major role in a plethora of processes and illnesses including growth, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. Different studies have suggested that a few autophagy-oriented genes, such as PTEN, Rab11a, Atg12, SIPA1L2, and ATG5, are all targeted by miR-21, indicating its essential role in the regulation.

Cancer testis antigen MAGEA3 in serum and serum-derived exosomes serves as a promising biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma

Cancer testis antigen (CTA) Melanoma Antigen Gene A3 (MAGEA3) were overexpressed in multiple tumor types, but the expression pattern of MAGEA3 in the serum of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. Clinically derived serum and serum exosome samples were used to assess the mRNA expression of MAGEA3 and MAGEA4 by qRT-PCR, and serum MAGEA3 and MAGEA4 protein expression were evaluated by ELISA in total 133 healthy volunteers' and 289 LUAD patients' serum samples. An analysis of the relationship of the mRNA and protein expression of MAGEA3 and MAGEA4 with clinicopathologic parameters was performed and the diagnostic value of MAGEA3 and MAGEA4 was plotted on an ROC curve. In addition, the correlation of MAGEA3 mRNA with infiltrating immune cells was investigated through TIMER, the CIBERSORT algorithm and the TISIDB database. Expression of serum and serum exosome MAGEA3 and MAGEA4 mRNA were significantly higher in LUAD patients than in healthy donors. MAGEA3 mRNA associated with tumor diameter, TMN stage, and NSE in LUAD serum samples, and MAGEA3 mRNA correlated with N stage in serum-derived exosomes, possessing areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.721 and 0.832, respectively. Besides, serum MAGEA3 protein levels were elevated in LUAD patients, and were closely related to stage and NSE levels, possessing AUC of 0.781. Further analysis signified that the expression of MAGEA3 mRNA was positive correlation with neutrophil, macrophages M2, dendritic cells resting, and eosinophilic, but negatively correlated with B cells, plasma cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, Th17 cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Collectively, our results suggested that the MAGEA3 expression in mRNA and protein were upregulated in LUAD, and MAGEA3 could be used as a diagnostic biomarker and immunotherapy target for LUAD patients.

The implications of exosomes in psoriasis: disease: emerging as new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets

As the largest human organ, the skin is continuously exposed to various external and internal triggers that affect body homeostasis. Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory skin condition that has a major bearing on patients' physiological functioning as well as their mental well-being. It is an autoimmune disorder and has been the focus of extensive research efforts in recent years. Cells secrete exosomes into the environment surrounding them, which comprises a lipid bilayer. The movement of cellular components like microRNAs, mRNAs, DNA, lipids, metabolites, and cell-surface proteins is mediated by exosomes. Exosomes are crucial for inducing communication between cells. There has been extensive study of exosomes, both preclinical and clinical, looking at their potential role in autoimmune diseases. Besides the role that they play in the body's basic processes, exosomes are also considered an increasingly essential part as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In the following article, we conduct a literature review of current studies related to molecular and structural aspects of exosomes. We emphasis on the function of exosomes in pathogenesis, as well as the possibility of their usage in medicinal applications and as biomarkers.

Exosomal long non-coding RNA TRPM2-AS promotes angiogenesis in gallbladder cancer through interacting with PABPC1 to activate NOTCH1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Abnormal angiogenesis is crucial for gallbladder cancer (GBC) tumor growth and invasion, highlighting the importance of elucidating the mechanisms underlying this process. LncRNA (long non-coding RNA) is widely involved in the malignancy of GBC. However, conclusive evidence confirming the correlation between lncRNAs and angiogenesis in GBC is lacking.

METHODS

LncRNA sequencing was performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs. RT-qPCR, western blot, FISH, and immunofluorescence were used to measure TRPM2-AS and NOTCH1 signaling pathway expression in vitro. Mouse xenograft and lung metastasis models were used to evaluate the biological function of TRPM2-AS during angiogenesis in vivo. EDU, transwell, and tube formation assays were used to detect the angiogenic ability of HUVECs. RIP, RAP, RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter system, and mass spectrometry were used to confirm the interaction between TRPM2-AS, IGF2BP2, NUMB, and PABPC1.

RESULTS

TRPM2-AS was upregulated in GBC tissues and was closely related to angiogenesis and poor prognosis in patients with GBC. The high expression level and stability of TRPM2-AS benefited from m6A modification, which is recognized by IGF2BP2. In terms of exerting pro-angiogenic effects, TRPM2-AS loaded with exosomes transported from GBC cells to HUVECs enhanced PABPC1-mediated NUMB expression inhibition, ultimately promoting the activation of the NOTCH1 signaling pathway. PABPC1 inhibited NUMB mRNA expression through interacting with AGO2 and promoted miR-31-5p and miR-146a-5p-mediated the degradation of NUMB mRNA. The NOTCH signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT inhibited GBC tumor angiogenesis, and TRPM2-AS knockdown enhanced this effect.

CONCLUSIONS

TRPM2-AS is a novel and promising biomarker for GBC angiogenesis that promotes angiogenesis by facilitating the activation of the NOTCH1 signaling pathway. Targeting TRPM2-AS opens further opportunities for future GBC treatments.

Emerging roles of prominin-1 (CD133) in the dynamics of plasma membrane architecture and cell signaling pathways in health and disease

Prominin-1 (CD133) is a cholesterol-binding membrane glycoprotein selectively associated with highly curved and prominent membrane structures. It is widely recognized as an antigenic marker of stem cells and cancer stem cells and is frequently used to isolate them from biological and clinical samples. Recent progress in understanding various aspects of CD133 biology in different cell types has revealed the involvement of CD133 in the architecture and dynamics of plasma membrane protrusions, such as microvilli and cilia, including the release of extracellular vesicles, as well as in various signaling pathways, which may be regulated in part by posttranslational modifications of CD133 and its interactions with a variety of proteins and lipids. Hence, CD133 appears to be a master regulator of cell signaling as its engagement in PI3K/Akt, Src-FAK, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/ERK pathways may explain its broad action in many cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration or intercellular communication. Here, we summarize early studies on CD133, as they are essential to grasp its novel features, and describe recent evidence demonstrating that this unique molecule is involved in membrane dynamics and molecular signaling that affects various facets of tissue homeostasis and cancer development. We hope this review will provide an informative resource for future efforts to elucidate the details of CD133's molecular function in health and disease.

Exosomes from senescent epithelial cells activate pulmonary fibroblasts via the miR-217-5p/Sirt1 axis in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used and highly toxic herbicide that poses a significant risk to human health. The main consequence of PQ poisoning is pulmonary fibrosis, which can result in respiratory failure and potentially death. Our research aims to uncover a crucial mechanism in which PQ poisoning induces senescence in epithelial cells, ultimately regulating the activation of pulmonary fibroblasts through the exosomal pathway.

METHODS

Cellular senescence was determined by immunohistochemistry and SA-β-Gal staining. The expression of miRNAs was measured by qPCR. Pulmonary fibroblasts treated with specific siRNA of SIRT1 or LV-SIRT1 were used to analysis senescent exosomes-mediated fibroblasts activation. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of miR-217-5p antagomir on pulmonary fibrosis were assessed in PQ-poisoned mice models.

RESULTS

Impairing the secretion of exosomes effectively mitigates the harmful effects of senescent epithelial cells on pulmonary fibroblasts, offering protection against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Additionally, we have identified a remarkable elevation of miR-217-5p expression in the exosomes of PQ-treated epithelial cells, which specifically contributes to fibroblasts activation via targeted inhibition of SIRT1, a protein involved in cellular stress response. Remarkably, suppression of miR-217-5p effectively impaired senescent epithelial cells-induced fibroblasts activation. Further investigation has revealed that miR-217-5p attenuated SIRT1 expression and subsequently resulted in enhanced acetylation of β-catenin and Wnt signaling activation.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight a potential strategy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ poisoning. Disrupting the communication between senescent epithelial cells and pulmonary fibroblasts, particularly by targeting the miR-217-5p/SIRT1/β-catenin axis, may be able to alleviate the effects of PQ poisoning on the lungs.

Plasma exosomal miR-30a-5p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from a chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression rat model

With rising society stress, depression-induced osteoporosis is increasing. However, the mechanism involved is unclear. In this study, we explored the effect of plasma exosomal miRNAs on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenic differentiation in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression rat model. After 12 weeks of CUMS-induced depression, the pathological changes in the bone tissue and markers of osteogenic differentiation were tested by micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Plasma exosomes from rats were isolated and co-incubated with BMSCs for 14 d to detect the effect on osteogenic markers. Next-generation sequencing identified the miRNAs in the plasma exosomes, and the differential miRNAs were analyzed and verified by qRT-PCR. BMSCs were infected with lentivirus to upregulate miRNA-30a-5p and incubated in a medium that induced osteogenic differentiation for 14 d. The effect of miR-30a-5p on osteogenic differentiation was determined by qPCR and alizarin red staining. CUMS-induced depression rat model was established successfully, and exhibited reduced bone mass and damaged bone microstructure compared to that of the controls. The observed pathological changes suggested the occurrence of osteoporosis in the CUMS group, and the mRNA expression of osteogenic markers was also significantly reduced. Incubation of BMSCs with plasma exosomes from the CUMS group for 14 d resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of osteogenic markers. Twenty-five differentially expressed miRNAs in plasma exosomes were identified and upregulation of miR-30a-5p was observed to significantly inhibit the expression of osteogenic markers in BMSCs. Our findings contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of osteoporosis caused by depression, and demonstrated the potential of miR-30a-5p as a novel biomarker or therapeutic target for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Bioactive solanidane steroidal alkaloids from Solanum lyratum

Six previously unreported solanidane steroidal alkaloids, namely lyrasolanosides A-F, were isolated from Solanum lyratum. In addition, five known steroidal alkaloids were also identified. The structures of these compounds were determined through the use of NMR, HRESIMS,UV, IR and ECD analysis. To assess their bioactivities, the cytotoxic effects of the six previously unreported compounds were evaluated on A549 cells. The results revealed that lyrasolanoside B (2) exhibited the highest potency among them. Lyrasolanoside B (2) exhibited significant inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and adhesion dramatically. Mechanistically, it was found to suppress the activity of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of phosphorylated JAK2/STAT3 in an exosome-dependent manner. In addition, lyrasolanoside B (2) was found to significantly upregulate the expression of E-cadherin and downregulate the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin. These findings indicate that lyrasolanoside B (2) inhibits the metastasis of A549 cells by suppressing exosome-mediated EMT. These findings suggest that lyrasolanoside B (2) may inhibit the metastasis of lung cancer by regulating A549-derived exosomes.

Exosomes in renal cell carcinoma: challenges and opportunities

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer that accounts for approximately 2-3% of adult malignancies. Among the primary treatment methods for this type of cancer are surgery and targeted treatment. Still, due to less than optimal effectiveness, there are problems such as advanced distant metastasis, delayed diagnosis, and drug resistance that continue to plague patients. In recent years, therapeutic advances have increased life expectancy and effective treatment in renal cell carcinoma patients. One of these methods is the use of stem cells. Although the therapeutic effects of stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells, are still impressive, today, extracellular vesicles (EVs) as carrying molecules and various mediators in intercellular communications, having a central role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug response, and on the other hand, due to its low immunogenicity and strong regulatory properties of the immune system, has received much attention from researchers and doctors. Despite the increasing interest in exosomes as the most versatile type of EVs, the heterogeneity of their efficacy presents challenges and, on the other hand, exciting opportunities for diagnostic and clinical interventions.In the upcoming article, we will review the various aspects of exosomes' effects in the prevention, treatment, and progress of renal cell carcinoma and also ways to optimize them to strengthen their positive sides.

MicroRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: Charting the path forward

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized for their involvement in the regulation of gene expression and exhibit significant potential in both the prognostic assessment and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC, like other tumors, seldom occurs in isolation; instead, it evolves within a microenvironment featuring oncogenic and tumor-suppressive elements. When combined with suitable delivery vehicles, miRNA technology provides the capability to directly engage with these elements, thereby hindering tumor formation and progression. Ongoing research in this domain holds the promise of enabling a more efficacious and multi-modal treatment approach for HCC in the near future.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of urinary extracellular vesicle mRNA markers in urothelial bladder cancer patients

We designed this multi-center prospective study with the following objectives: (1) the cross-sectional validation of extracellular vesicles (EV) mRNA markers to detect urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) before transurethral resection of bladder cancer (TURBT), and (2) the longitudinal validation of EV mRNA markers to monitor non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) recurrence after TURBT. EV mRNA markers evaluated in this study were KRT17, GPRC5A, and SLC2A1 in addition to two additional markers from literatures, MDK and CXCR2, and measured by quantitative RT-PCR with normalization by a reference gene (ALDOB). Diagnostic performances of EV mRNA markers were compared to conventional markers. Regarding the first objective, we confirmed that EV mRNA biomarkers in urine were higher in UBC patients, particularly those with higher stage/grade tumors, than in those without UBC (n = 278 in total) and the diagnostic performance of EV mRNA MDK and KRT17 outperformed conventional biomarkers with AUC 0.760 and 0.730, respectively. Concerning the second objective, we prospectively analyzed the time courses of EV mRNA markers while NMIBC patients (n = 189) (median follow-up 19 months). The expression of EV mRNA KRT17 was significantly high in patients with recurrence, while it gradually decreased over time in those without recurrence (p < 0.01).

Ultrasound-Assisted CRISPRi-Exosome for Epigenetic Modification of α-Synuclein Gene in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD patients, aberrant methylation of SNCA (α-synuclein gene) has been reported and may be a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we established an epigenetic regulation platform based on an exosomal CRISPR intervention system. With the assist of focused ultrasound (FUS) opening the blood-brain barrier, engineered exosomes carrying RVG (rabies viral glycoprotein) targeting peptide, sgRNA (single guide RNA), and dCas9-DNMT3A (named RVG-CRISPRi-Exo) were efficiently delivered into the brain lesions and induced specific methylation of SNCA. In vivo, FUS combined with RVG-CRISPRi-Exo significantly improved motor performance, balance coordination, and neurosensitivity in PD mice, greatly down-regulated the elevation of α-synuclein (α-syn) caused by modeling, rescued cell apoptosis, and alleviated the progression of PD in mice. [18F]-FP-DTBZ imaging suggested that the synaptic function of the nigrostriatal pathway could be restored, which was conducive to the control of motor behavior in PD mice. Pyrosequencing results showed that RVG-CRISPRi-Exo could methylate CpG at specific sites of SNCA, and this fine-tuned editing achieved good therapeutic effects in PD model mice. In vitro, RVG-CRISPRi-Exo down-regulated SNCA transcripts and α-syn expression and relieved neuronal cell damage. Collectively, our findings provide a proof-of-principle for the development of targeted brain nanodelivery based on engineered exosomes and provide insights into epigenetic regulation of brain diseases.

Regulatory T cell-derived exosome mediated macrophages polarization for osteogenic differentiation in fracture repair

Refractory fracture presents an intractable challenge in trauma treatment. Selective polarization of macrophages as well as the recruitment of osteogenic precursor cells play key roles in osteogenic differentiation during fracture healing. Here we constructed regulatory T cell (Treg)-derived exosomes (Treg-Exo) for the treatment of fracture. The obtained exosomes displayed a spheroid shape with a hydrated particle size of approximately 130 nm. With further purification using CD39 and CD73 antibody-modified microfluidic chips, CD39 and CD73 specifically expressing exosomes were obtained. This kind of Treg-Exo utilized the ectonucleotidases of CD39 and CD73 to catalyze the high level of ATP in the fracture area into adenosine. The generated adenosine further promoted the selective polarization of macrophages. When interacting with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, osteogenic precursor cells), both Treg-Exo and Treg-Exo primed macrophages facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. After administration in vivo, Treg-Exo effectively promoted fracture healing compared with conventional T cell-derived exosome. To further improve the delivery efficacy of exosomes and integrate multiple biological processes of fracture healing, an injectable hydrogel was fabricated to co-deliver Treg-Exo and stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α). With the dual effect of Treg-Exo for macrophage polarization and SDF-1α for MSC recruitment, the multifunctional hydrogel exerted a synergistic effect on fracture repair acceleration. This study provided a promising therapeutic candidate and synergistic strategy for the clinical treatment of fracture.

TP53 mitigates cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by mediating the effects of resistant cell-derived exosome mir-424-5p

Background

Cisplatin (DDP) is the principal agent used for chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, DDP resistance is an essential cause for a worse prognosis of patient. Therefore, this study proposes to discover features of miR-424-5p in DDP resistance of NSCLC.

Method

After exogenous modulation of miR-424-5p expression, A549 cell activity was measured using CCK-8 and flow cytometry. A549/DDP and A549/DDP-associated subcutaneous tumor model were constructed to investigate the effect of miR-424-5p on DDP resistance in NSCLC in vivo. TargetScan and JASPAR databases predicted the potential molecular mechanism of miR-424-5p. A549-and A549/DDP-derived exosomes were isolated and characterized using a transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analysis.

Result

Overexpression of miR-424-5p facilitated proliferation and DDP resistance in A549 cells, and knockdown of miR-424-5p did the opposite. Knockdown of miR-424-5p enhanced DDP restriction on tumor weight and volume. Moreover, SOCS5 and SOCS56 (SOCS5/6) were downstream targets of miR-424-5p. miR-424-5p down-regulated SOCS5/6 expression to activate JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT pathways. Notably, tumor protein p53 (TP53) is a transcription factor for the miR-424-5p host gene, as confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter gene. Cellular and animal experiments indicated that TP53 limited the regulatory function of miR-424-5p on NSCLC growth, DDP resistance, and related molecules. Interestingly, miR-424-5p was markedly enriched in A549/DDP cell-derived exosomes than in A549 cell-derived exosomes, and TP53 down-regulated miR-424-5p expression in A549/DDP cell-derived exosomes.

Conclusion

DDP-resistant cell-derived exosome miR-424-5p contributes to NSCLC growth and DDP resistance by targeting SOCS5 and SOCS6 to activate JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT pathways, which are blocked by TP53.

Exosomal circRNAs in the plasma serve as novel biomarkers for IPF diagnosis and progression prediction

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a type of chronic interstitial pneumonia, often fatal, with elusive causes and a bleak prognosis. Its treatment options are limited and largely ineffective. Early detection and precise diagnosis are pivotal in managing the disease effectively and enhancing patient survival rates. Recently, the quest for trustworthy biomarkers for IPF has gained momentum. Notably, emerging studies indicate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) found in exosomes may hold significant potential as valuable diagnostic markers.

METHODS

In this study, we initially explored the expression profile of circRNAs in exosomes sourced from the blood of IPF patients and healthy volunteers, employing a human circRNA microarray. We then utilized RT-qPCR to corroborate the dysregulated circRNAs identified by the microarray during the training phase. Next, the circRNAs that displayed a significant increase during the training phase were selected for further validation in a larger cohort encompassing 113 IPF patients and 76 healthy volunteers. Ultimately, the expression level and function of hsa_circ_0044226 were substantiated through a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Utilizing a human circRNA microarray, we identified 11 dysregulated circRNAs in the exosomes derived from the blood of IPF patients and control volunteers. Subsequent RT-qPCR analysis revealed significant increases in three circRNAs (hsa_circ_0044226, hsa_circ_0004099, hsa_circ_0008898) within the IPF patients. Notably, hsa_circ_0044226 was markedly elevated in patients experiencing acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) compared to those with stable IPF (S-IPF). Additionally, an upregulation of hsa_circ_0044226 was observed in the blood exosomes derived from a bleomycin-induced IPF mouse model.

CONCLUSION

The expression levels of hsa_circ_0044226, hsa_circ_0004099, and hsa_circ_0008898 in plasma exosomes introduce a new paradigm of biomarkers for the diagnosis and progression of IPF.

The impact understanding of exosome therapy in COVID-19 and preparations for the future approaches in dealing with infectious diseases and inflammation

Cytokine storms, which result from an abrupt, acute surge in the circulating levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines, are one of the complications associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study aimed to assess the effect of exosomes on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compare it with a control group. The cytokines evaluated in this study were TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IFN-γ. The study compared the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of five COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit, who were subjected to both inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and exosome therapy, with those of five healthy controls. The cytokine levels were quantified using the ELISA method. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS Version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism Version 9. According to the study findings, when PBMCs were exposed to inactivated SARS-CoV-2, pro-inflammatory cytokines increased in both patients and healthy controls. Notably, the cytokine levels were significantly elevated in the COVID-19 patients compared to the control group P-values were < 0.001, 0.001, 0.008, and 0.008 for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IFN-γ, respectively. Conversely, when both groups were exposed to exosomes, there was a marked reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This suggests that exosome administration can effectively mitigate the hyperinflammation induced by COVID-19 by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients. These findings underscore the potential safety and efficacy of exosomes as a therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.

Periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosome-loaded Emodin mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against cariogenic bacteria

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of periodontal ligament (PDL) stem cell-derived exosome-loaded Emodin (Emo@PDL-Exo) in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus as the cariogenic bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After isolating and characterizing PDL-Exo, the study proceeded to prepare and verify the presence of Emo@PDL-Exo. The antimicrobial effect, anti-biofilm activity, and anti-metabolic potency of Emo, PDL-Exo, and Emo@PDL-Exo were then evaluated with and without irradiation of blue laser at a wavelength of 405 ± 10 nm with an output intensity of 150 mW/cm2 for a duration of 60 s. In addition, the study assessed the binding affinity of Emodin with GtfB and SlpA proteins using in silico molecular docking. Eventually, the study examined the generation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in the gene expression levels of gelE and sprE.

RESULTS

The study found that using Emo@PDL-Exo-mediated aPDT resulted in a significant decrease in L. acidophilus and S. mutans by 4.90 ± 0.36 and 5.07 log10 CFU/mL, respectively (P < 0.05). The study found that using Emo@PDL-Exo for aPDT significantly reduced L. acidophilus and S. mutans biofilms by 44.7% and 50.4%, respectively, compared to untreated biofilms in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the metabolic activity of L. acidophilus and S. mutans decreased by 58.3% and 71.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). The molecular docking analysis showed strong binding affinities of Emodin with SlpA and GtfB proteins, with docking scores of -7.4 and -8.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The study also found that the aPDT using Emo@PDL-Exo group resulted in the most significant reduction in gene expression of slpA and gtfB, with a decrease of 4.2- and 5.6-folds, respectively, compared to the control group (P < 0.05), likely due to the increased generation of endogenous ROS.

DISCUSSION

The study showed that aPDT using Emo@PDL-Exo can effectively reduce the cell viability, biofilm activity, and metabolic potency of S. mutans and L. acidophilus. aPDT also significantly reduced the expression levels of gtfB and slpA mRNA due to the increased endogenous ROS generation. The findings suggest that Emo@PDL-Exo-mediated aPDT could be a promising antimicrobial approach against cariogenic microorganisms.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) impairs hypoxia-induced cellular and exosomal overexpression of immune-checkpoints and immunomodulatory molecules in different subtypes of breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Tumor cells express immune-checkpoint molecules to suppress anti-tumor immune responses. In part, immune evasion takes place by secreting exosomes bearing immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their inducing and/or regulating agents e.g., microRNAs (miRs). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the expression of some selected immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules and their regulating miRs under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions in triple negative (TNBC) invasive and triple positive non-invasive breast cancer cell lines.

METHODS

MDA-MB-231 and BT-474 cells were treated with 100 µM DHA under hypoxic and normoxic conditions for 24 h. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifuge and confirmed by electron microscope and anti-CD9, -CD63, -CD81 immunoblotting. Total RNA from cells and exosomes were extracted and expression of CD39, CD73, CD47, CD80, PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4 genes and their related miRs were evaluated by quantitative Real-time PCR.

RESULTS

This study showed significant over-expression of immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecules under hypoxic condition. Treatment with DHA resulted in a significant decrease in immune-checkpoint and immunomodulatory molecule expression as well as an upregulation of their regulatory miRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

DHA supplementation may be utilized in breast cancer therapy for down-regulation of cellular and exosomal immune escape-related molecules.

Role of non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in vasculitis: A narrative review

A category of very uncommon systemic inflammatory blood vessel illnesses known as vasculitides. The pathogenesis and etiology of vasculitis are still poorly known. Despite all of the progress made in understanding the genetics and causes behind vasculitis, there is still more to learn. Epigenetic dysregulation is a significant contributor to immune-mediated illnesses, and epigenetic aberrancies in vasculitis are becoming more widely acknowledged. Less than 2 % of the genome contains protein-encoding DNA. Studies have shown that a variety of RNAs originating from the non-coding genome exist. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted the most attention in recent years as they are becoming more and more important regulators of different biological processes, such as diseases of the veins. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) such as exosomes, are membrane-bound vesicular structures that break free either during programmed cell death, such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis or during cell activation. Exosomes may be involved in harmful ways in inflammation, procoagulation, autoimmune reactions, endothelial dysfunction/damage, intimal hyperplasia and angiogenesis, all of which may be significant in vasculitis. Herein, we summarized various non-coding RNAs that are involved in vasculitides pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted the role of exosomes in vasculitides.

circRNAs deregulation in exosomes derived from BEAS-2B cells is associated with vascular stiffness induced by PM2.5

As an environmental pollutant, ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was linked to cardiovascular diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced extrapulmonary disease has not been elucidated clearly. In this study the ambient PM2.5 exposure mice model we established was to explore adverse effects of vessel and potential mechanisms. Long-term PM2.5 exposure caused reduced lung function and vascular stiffness in mice. And chronic PM2.5 induced migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in BEAS-2B cells. After PM2.5 treatment, the circRNAs and mRNAs levels of exosomes released by BEAS-2B cells were detected by competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) array, which contained 1664 differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) and 308 differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs). By bioinformatics analysis on host genes of DE-circRNAs, vascular diseases and some pathways related to vascular diseases including focal adhesion, tight junction and adherens junction were enriched. Then, ceRNA network was constructed, and DE-mRNAs in ceRNA network were conducted functional enrichment analysis by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, which indicated that hsa_circ_0012627, hsa_circ_0053261 and hsa_circ_0052810 were related to vascular endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, it was verified experimentally that ExoPM2.5 could induce endothelial dysfunction by increased endothelial permeability and decreased relaxation in vitro. In present study, we investigated in-depth knowledge into the molecule events related to PM2.5 toxicity and pathogenesis of vascular diseases.

Exosomal microRNA-Based therapies for skin diseases

Based on engineered cell/exosome technology and various skin-related animal models, exosomal microRNA (miRNA)-based therapies derived from natural exosomes have shown good therapeutic effects on nine skin diseases, including full-thickness skin defects, diabetic ulcers, skin burns, hypertrophic scars, psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, atopic dermatitis, skin aging, and hair loss. Comparative experimental research showed that the therapeutic effect of miRNA-overexpressing exosomes was better than that of their natural exosomes. Using a dual-luciferase reporter assay, the targets of all therapeutic miRNAs in skin cells have been screened and confirmed. For these nine types of skin diseases, a total of 11 animal models and 21 exosomal miRNA-based therapies have been developed. This review provides a detailed description of the animal models, miRNA therapies, disease evaluation indicators, and treatment results of exosomal miRNA therapies, with the aim of providing a reference and guidance for future clinical trials. There is currently no literature on the merits or drawbacks of miRNA therapies compared with standard treatments.

Bone tissue regeneration by 58S bioactive glass scaffolds containing exosome: an in vivo study

Exosomes, the naturally secreted nanocarriers of cells, have recently been demonstrated to have therapeutic benefits in a variety of disease models where parent cells are not present. However, the use of exosomes in bone defect regeneration has been unusual, and little is documented about the underlying processes. In recent study we produced and characterized exosomes derived human endometrial mesenchymal stem stromal cells and 58S bioactive glass scaffolds; in following, in this research exosome loaded scaffolds synthetized and release of exosome, porosity and bioactivity of them were assessed. More over the effect of scaffolds on repair of critical-size bone defects in rat's calvaria was evaluated by histological examination and micro computed tomography (µ CT). The findings confirmed that constructed porous scaffolds consistently release exosomes; additionally, in vivo findings including Hematoxilin & Eosin staining, Immunohistochemistry, Masson's trichrome, histomorphometric analysis, and µ CT clarified that our implant has osteogenic properties. We discovered that Exo-treated scaffolds might promote osteogenesis especially compared to pure scaffolds, indicating that produced scaffolds containing exosomes could be a potential replacement in bone tissue engineering.

Exosomes derived from programmed cell death: mechanism and biological significance

Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles present in bodily fluids that mediate intercellular communication by transferring bioactive molecules, thereby regulating a range of physiological and pathological processes. Exosomes can be secreted from nearly all cell types, and the biological function of exosomes is heterogeneous and depends on the donor cell type and state. Recent research has revealed that the levels of exosomes released from the endosomal system increase in cells undergoing programmed cell death. These exosomes play crucial roles in diseases, such as inflammation, tumors, and autoimmune diseases. However, there is currently a lack of systematic research on the differences in the biogenesis, secretion mechanisms, and composition of exosomes under different programmed cell death modalities. This review underscores the potential of exosomes as vital mediators of programmed cell death processes, highlighting the interconnection between exosome biosynthesis and the regulatory mechanisms governing cell death processes. Furthermore, we accentuate the prospect of leveraging exosomes for the development of innovative biomarkers and therapeutic strategies across various diseases.

M1 Macrophage-Derived Exosome LncRNA PVT1 Promotes Inflammation and Pyroptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Inhibiting miR-186-5p and Regulating HMGB1

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic vascular degenerative disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are essential for maintaining the integrity of healthy blood vessels. Macrophages play an important role in the inflammatory process of AAA. However, the effect of macrophage-derived exosome LncRNA PVT1 on VSMCs is unclear. Exosomes from M1 macrophages (M1φ-exos) were isolated and identified. The expression of LncRNA PVT1 in M1φ-exos was determined. AAA cell model was constructed by treating VSMCs with Ang-II. AAA cell model was treated with M1φ exosomes transfected with si-LncRNA PVT1 (M1φsi-LncRNA PVT1-exo). VSMCs were transfected with miR-186-5p mimic and oe-HMGB1. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The accumulation of LDH was detected by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the expression of HMGB1, inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) and pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD, N-GSDMD, ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and Cleaved-Capase-1). Cell pyroptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. At the same time, the targeting relationship between miR-186-5p and LncRNA PVT1 and HMGB1 was verified by double fluorescein experiment. Exosomes from M1φ were successfully extracted. The expression of LncRNA PVT1 in M1φ-exos was significantly increased. M1φ-exo promotes inflammation and pyroptosis of VSMCs. M1φsi-LncRNA PVT1-exos inhibited the inflammation and pyroptosis of VSMCs. LncRNA PVT1 can sponge miR-186-5p mimic to regulate HMGB1 expression. MiR-186-5p mimic further inhibited inflammation and pyroptosis induced by M1φsi-LncRNA PVT1-exos. However, oe-HMGB1 could inhibit the reversal effect of miR-186-5p mimic. LncRNA PVT1 in exosomes secreted by M1φ can regulate HMGB1 by acting as ceRNA on sponge miR-186-5p, thereby promoting cell inflammatory and pyroptosis and accelerating AAA progression.

Exosome co-delivery of a STING agonist augments immunogenicity elicited by CVB3 VP1 vaccine via promoting antigen cross-presentation of CD8 + DCs

The induction of a robust CD8+ T cell response is critical for the success of an antiviral vaccine. In this study, we incorporated a STING agonist (SA) 2'3'-cGAMP into a previously developed exosome-based CVB3 viral myocarditis vaccine (Exo-VP1) to enhance its ability to induce CD8+ T cell responses and immunoprotection. Our results showed that compared to free SA adjuvant, exosome-mediated co-delivery (ExoSA-VP1) significantly enhanced SA uptake by dendritic cells (DCs) and more potently stimulated DC maturation. Immunization of mice showed that the ExoSA-VP1 vaccine-induced higher levels of CVB3-specific T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity, significantly increased the percentage of IFN-γ+CD8+ rather than CD4+ T cells, effectively reduced cardiac viral loads, attenuated myocarditis and improved survival in mice compared to the previous Exo-VP1 vaccine. Further investigation showed that ExoSA-VP1 significantly increased both the percentage and antigen cross-presentation capacity of splenic CD8+ DCs. Depletion of these CD8+ DCs by cytochrome C administration nearly abolished the advantage of ExoSA-VP1 in dominantly inducing IFN-γ+CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) production in immunized mice. Taken together, our results demonstrated the potential of ExoSA-VP1 as a promising candidate for anti-CVB3 vaccines and provide insights into immune-enhancing strategies aiming at augmenting antigen cross-presentation by DCs and enhancing potent CTL responses.

Exo-miR-144-3p as a promising diagnostic biomarker for depressive symptoms in heart failure

AIMS

The prevalence of depression is higher in heart failure (HF) patients. Early screening of depressive symptoms in HF patients and timely intervention can help to improve patients' quality of life and prognosis. This study aims to explore diagnostic biomarkers by examining the expression profile of serum exosomal miRNAs in HF patients with depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Serum exosomal RNA was isolated and extracted from 6 HF patients with depressive symptoms (HF-DS) and 6 HF patients without depressive symptoms (HF-NDS). High-throughput sequencing was performed to obtain miRNA expression profiles and target genes were predicted for the screened differentially expressed miRNAs. Biological functions of the target genes were analyzed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, we collected serum exosomal RNAs from HF-DS (n = 20) and HF-NDS (n = 20). The differentially expressed miRNAs selected from the sequencing results were validated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Finally, the diagnostic efficacy of the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs for HF-DS was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

A total of 19 significantly differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were screened by high-throughput sequencing, consisting of 12 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated exosomal miRNAs. RT-qPCR validation demonstrated that the expression level of exo-miR-144-3p was significantly down-regulated in the HF-DS group, and the expression levels of exo-miR-625-3p and exo-miR-7856-5p were significantly up-regulated. In addition, the expression level of exo-miR-144-3p was negatively correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms in HF patients, and that the area under the curve (AUC) of exo-miR-144-3p for diagnosing HF-DS was 0.763.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we examined the serum exosomal miRNA expression profiles of HF patients with depressive symptoms and found that lower level of exo-miR-144-3p was associated with more severe depressive symptoms. Exo-miR-144-3p is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of HF-DS.

Role of long noncoding RNAs in pathological cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction: An emerging insight into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of heart failure (HF), accounting for high mortality and morbidity worldwide. As a consequence of ischemia/reperfusion injury during MI, multiple cellular processes such as oxidative stress-induced damage, cardiomyocyte death, and inflammatory responses occur. In the next stage, the proliferation and activation of cardiac fibroblasts results in myocardial fibrosis and HF progression. Therefore, developing a novel therapeutic strategy is urgently warranted to restrict the progression of pathological cardiac remodeling. Recently, targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) provided a novel insight into treating several disorders. In this regard, numerous investigations have indicated that several lncRNAs could participate in the pathogenesis of MI-induced cardiac remodeling, suggesting their potential therapeutic applications. In this review, we summarized lncRNAs displayed in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodeling after MI, emphasizing molecular mechanisms. Also, we highlighted the possible translational role of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets for this condition and discussed the potential role of exosomes in delivering the lncRNAs involved in post-MI cardiac remodeling.

Exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate male infertility caused by busulfan in vivo and in vitro

Environmental pollution has emerged as a global concern due to its detrimental effects on human health. One of the critical aspects of this concern is the impact of environmental pollution on sperm quality in males. Male factor infertility accounts for approximately 40%- 50% of all infertility cases. Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe type of male infertility. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUCMSC) exosomes enhance proliferation and migration, playing crucial roles in tissue and organ injury repair. However, whether hUCMSC exosomes impacting on NOA caused by chemotherapeutic agents remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the functional restoration and mechanism of hUCMSC exosomes on busulfan-induced injury in GC-1 spg cells and ICR mouse testes. Our results revealed that hUCMSC exosomes effectively promoted the proliferation and migration of busulfan-treated GC-1 spg cells. Additionally, oxidative stress and apoptosis were significantly reduced when hUCMSC exosomes were treated. Furthermore, the injection of hUCMSC exosomes into the testes of ICR mice treated with busulfan upregulated the expression of mouse germ cell-specific genes, such as vasa, miwi, Stra8 and Dazl. Moreover, the expression of cellular junction- and cytoskeleton-related genes, including connexin 43, ICAM-1, β-catenin and androgen receptor (AR), was increased in the testicular tissues treated with exosomes. Western blot analysis demonstrated significant downregulation of apoptosis-associated proteins, such as bax and caspase-3, and upregulation of bcl-2 in the mouse testicular tissues injected with hUCMSC exosomes. Further, the spermatogenesis in the experimental group of mice injected with exosomes showed partial restoration of spermatogenesis compared to the busulfan-treated group. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for the potential clinical applications of hUCMSC exosomes in cell repair and open up new avenues for the clinical treatment of NOA.

Eco-friendly management of Meloidogyne incognita in cadmium-contaminated soil by using nematophagous fungus Purpureocillium lavendulum YMF1.683: Efficacy and mechanism

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are distributed globally, including in agricultural fields contaminated by heavy metals (HM), and can cause serious crop damages. Having a method that could control RKNs in HM-contaminated soil while limit HM accumulation in crops could provide significant benefits to both farmers and consumers. In this study, we showed that the nematophagous fungus Purpureocillium lavendulum YMF1.683 exhibited a high nematocidal activity against the RKN Meloidogyne incognita and a high tolerance to CdCl2. Comparing to the P. lavendulum YMF1.838 which showed low tolerance to Cd2+, strain YMF1.683 effectively suppressed M. incognita infection and significantly reduced the Cd2+ uptake in tomato root and fruit in soils contaminated by 100 mg/kg Cd2+. Transcriptome analyses and validation of gene expression by RT-PCR revealed that the mechanisms contributed to high Cd-resistance in YMF1.683 mainly included activating autophagy pathway, increasing exosome secretion of Cd2+, and activating antioxidation systems. The exosomal secretory inhibitor GW4869 reduced the tolerance of YMF1.683 to Cd2+, which firstly demonstrated that fungal exosome was involved in HM tolerance. The up-regulation of glutathione synthesis pathway, increasing enzyme activities of both catalase and superoxide dismutase also played important roles in Cd2+ tolerance of YMF1.683. In Cd2+-contaminated soil, YMF1.683 limited Cd2+-uptake in tomato by up-regulating the genes of ABCC family in favor of HM sequestration in plant, and down-regulating the genes of ZIP, HMA, NRAMP, YSL families associated with HM absorption, transport, and uptake in plant. Our results demonstrated that YMF1.683 could be a promising bio-agent in eco-friendly management of M. incognita in Cd2+ contaminated soils.

Rab11 suppresses head and neck carcinoma by regulating EGFR and EpCAM exosome secretion

OBJECTIVES

Rab11(Rab11a and Rab11b) localizes primarily along recycling endosomes in cells and is involved in various intracellular trafficking processes, including membrane receptor recycling and secretion of exosomes or small extracellular vesicles (EVs). Although Rab11 is closely associated with the progression and metastasis of various cancer types, little is known about Rab11' role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this study, we investigated the roles of Rab11a and Rab11b in HNSCC.

METHODS

The clinical significance of Rab11 expression in HNSCC was investigated using a public database and tissue microarray analysis. Stable cell lines with loss and gain of Rab11a or Rab11b were originally established to investigate their roles in the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of HNSCC cells.

RESULTS

Database analysis revealed a significant association between Rab11b mRNA expression and a favorable patient survival rate in HNSCC. Tissue microarray analysis revealed that Rab11b expression was the highest in normal tissues and gradually decreased across the stages of HNSCC progression. Overexpression of Rab11a or Rab11b resulted in a decrease in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) exosome secretion, and the migratory and invasive potential of HNSCC cells. The knockdown of Rab11a or Rab11b increased EpCAM/CD9 exosome secretion in addition to the migratory and invasive potential of HNSCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Rab11 suppresses HNSCC by regulating EGFR recycling and EpCAM exosome secretion in HNSCC cells. Our results indicate that Rab11b is a superior prognostic indicator of HNSCC and holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies.