microRNA-130b-3p Contained in MSC-Derived EVs Promotes Lung Cancer Progression by Regulating the FOXO3/NFE2L2/TXNRD1 Axis

Small extracellular vesicles: Multi-functional aspects in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) impact normal and pathological cellular signaling through bidirectional trafficking. Exosomes, a subset of EVs possess biomolecules including proteins, lipids, DNA fragments and various RNA species reflecting a speculum of their parent cells. The involvement of exosomes in bidirectional communication and their biological constituents substantiate its role in regulating both physiology and pathology, including multiple cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancers (85%) with high incidence, mortality and reduced overall survival. Lack of efficient early diagnostic and therapeutic tools hurdles the management of NSCLC. Interestingly, the exosomes from body fluids similarity with parent cells or tissue offers a potential future multicomponent tool for the early diagnosis of NSCLC. The structural twinning of exosomes with a cell/tissue and the competitive tumor derived exosomes in tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes the unpinning horizons of exosomes as a drug delivery, vaccine, and therapeutic agent. Exosomes in clinical point of view assist to trace: acquired resistance caused by various therapeutic agents, early diagnosis, progression, and surveillance. In an integrated approach, EV biomarkers offer potential cutting-edge techniques for the detection and diagnosis of cancer, though the purification, characterization, and biomarker identification processes for the translational research regarding EVs need further optimization.

LncRNA CARD8-AS1 suppresses lung adenocarcinoma progression by enhancing TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination of TXNRD1

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, little was known about the role of lncRNAs in high-risk LUAD subtypes: micropapillary-predominant adenocarcinoma (MPA) and solid-predominant adenocarcinoma (SPA). In this study, we conducted a systematic screening of differentially expressed lncRNAs using RNA sequencing in 10 paired MPA/SPA tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Consequently, 110 significantly up-regulated lncRNAs and 288 aberrantly down-regulated lncRNAs were identified (|Log2 Foldchange| ≥ 1 and corrected P < 0.05). The top 10 lncRNAs were further analyzed in 89 MPA/SPA tumor tissues and 59 normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Among them, CARD8-AS1 showed the most significant differential expression, and decreased expression of CARD8-AS1 was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis. Functionally, CARD8-AS1 overexpression remarkably suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, inhibition of CARD8-AS1 yielded opposite effects. Mechanistically, CARD8-AS1 acted as a scaffold to facilitate the interaction between TXNRD1 and E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, thereby promoting the degradation of TXNRD1 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Additionally, TXNRD1 was found to promote LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, the suppressed progression of LUAD cells resulting from CARD8-AS1 overexpression could be significantly reversed by simultaneous overexpression of TXNRD1. In conclusion, this study revealed that the lncRNA CARD8-AS1 played a suppressive role in the progression of LUAD by enhancing TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination of TXNRD1. The CARD8-AS1-TRIM25-TXNRD1 axis may represent a promising therapeutic target for LUAD.

Extracellular vesicles as tools and targets in therapy for diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized, membranous structures secreted into the extracellular space. They exhibit diverse sizes, contents, and surface markers and are ubiquitously released from cells under normal and pathological conditions. Human serum is a rich source of these EVs, though their isolation from serum proteins and non-EV lipid particles poses challenges. These vesicles transport various cellular components such as proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, DNA, and lipids across distances, influencing numerous physiological and pathological events, including those within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Their pivotal roles in cellular communication make EVs promising candidates for therapeutic agents, drug delivery systems, and disease biomarkers. Especially in cancer diagnostics, EV detection can pave the way for early identification and offers potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, various EV subtypes are emerging as targeted drug delivery tools, highlighting their potential clinical significance. The need for non-invasive biomarkers to monitor biological processes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes remains unfulfilled. Tapping into the unique composition of EVs could unlock advanced diagnostic and therapeutic avenues in the future. In this review, we discuss in detail the roles of EVs across various conditions, including cancers (encompassing head and neck, lung, gastric, breast, and hepatocellular carcinoma), neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, viral infections, autoimmune and renal diseases, emphasizing the potential advancements in molecular diagnostics and drug delivery.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes as delivery vehicles for non-coding RNAs in lung diseases

The burden of lung diseases is gradually increasing with an increase in the average human life expectancy. Therefore, it is necessary to identify effective methods to treat lung diseases and reduce their social burden. Currently, an increasing number of studies focus on the role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) as a cell-free therapy in lung diseases. They show great potential for application to lung diseases as a more stable and safer option than traditional cell therapies. MSC-Exos are rich in various substances, including proteins, nucleic acids, and DNA. Delivery of Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) enables MSC-Exos to communicate with target cells. MSC-Exos significantly inhibit inflammatory factors, reduce oxidative stress, promote normal lung cell proliferation, and reduce apoptosis by delivering ncRNAs. Moreover, MSC-Exos carrying specific ncRNAs affect the proliferation, invasion, and migration of lung cancer cells, thereby playing a role in managing lung cancer. The detailed mechanisms of MSC-Exos in the clinical treatment of lung disease were explored by developing standardized culture, isolation, purification, and administration strategies. In summary, MSC-Exo-based delivery methods have important application prospects for treating lung diseases.

Effects of microenvironment and biological behavior on the paracrine function of stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the most well-studied cell type in the field of stem cell therapy, have multi-lineage differentiation and self-renewal potential. MSC-based therapies have been used to treat diverse diseases because of their ability to potently repair tissue and locally restore function. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that paracrine function is central to the effects of MSC-based therapy. Growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix components, and extracellular vehicles all contribute to the beneficial effects of MSCs on tissue regeneration and repair. The paracrine substances secreted by MSCs change depending on the tissue microenvironment and biological behavior. In this review, we discuss the bioactive substances secreted by MSCs depending on the microenvironment and biological behavior and their regulatory mechanisms, which explain their potential to treat human diseases, to provide new ideas for further research and clinical cell-free therapy.

RNA Profiles of Tear Fluid Extracellular Vesicles in Patients with Dry Eye-Related Symptoms

Currently, diagnosing and stratifying dry eye disease (DED) require multiple tests, motivating interest in a single definitive test. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential for using tear fluid extracellular vesicle (EV)-RNA in DED diagnostics. With a role in intercellular communication, nanosized EVs facilitate the protected transport of diverse bioactive molecules in biofluids, including tears. Schirmer strips were used to collect tears from 10 patients presenting with dry eye-related symptoms at the Norwegian Dry Eye Clinic. The samples comprised two groups, five from patients with a tear film break-up time (TBUT) of 2 s and five from patients with a TBUT of 10 s. Tear fluid EV-RNA was isolated using a Qiagen exoRNeasy Midi Kit, and the RNA was characterized using Affymetrix ClariomTM D microarrays. The mean signal values of the two groups were compared using a one-way ANOVA. A total of 26,639 different RNA transcripts were identified, comprising both mRNA and ncRNA subtypes. Approximately 6% of transcripts showed statistically significant differential abundance between the two groups. The mRNA sodium channel modifier 1 (SCNM1) was detected at a level 3.8 times lower, and the immature microRNA-130b was detected at a level 1.5 times higher in the group with TBUT 2 s compared to the group with TBUT 10 s. This study demonstrates the potential for using tear fluid EV-RNA in DED diagnostics.

Emerging Roles of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal-Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Therapy

Despite the tremendous efforts of many researchers and clinicians, cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells residing in numerous human tissues and presenting unique biological properties, such as low immunogenicity, powerful immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive capabilities, and, in particular, homing abilities. Therapeutic functions of MSCs are mediated mostly by the paracrine effect of released functional molecules and other variable components, and among them the MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) seem to be one of the central mediators of the therapeutic functions of MSCs. MSC-EVs are membrane structures secreted by the MSCs, rich in specific proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Amongst these, microRNAs have achieved the most attention currently. Unmodified MSC-EVs can promote or inhibit tumor growth, while modified MSC-EVs are involved in the suppression of cancer progression via the delivery of therapeutic molecules, including miRNAs, specific siRNAs, or suicide RNAs, as well as chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, we present an overview of the characteristics of the MSCs-EVs and describe the current methods for their isolation and analysis, the content of their cargo, and modalities for the modification of MSC-EVs in order for them to be used as drug delivery vehicles. Finally, we describe different roles of MSC-EVs in the tumor microenvironment and summarize current advances of MCS-EVs in cancer research and therapy. MSC-EVs are expected to be a novel and promising cell-free therapeutic drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of cancer.

TXNRD1 knockdown inhibits the proliferation of endothelial cells subjected to oscillatory shear stress via activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase/apoptosis pathway

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease, and fluid shear stress is a key factor regulating its occurrence and development. Oscillatory shear stress (Oss) is an important pro-atherosclerosis factor. Oss mainly occurs in areas that are susceptible to atherosclerosis, but the exact mechanism of atherosclerosis induction remains unclear. Therefore, starting from the atheroprone phenotype that Oss stimulates abnormal vascular endothelial cell proliferation, this study aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism of Oss-induced atherosclerosis formation and to identify new targets for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. In this study, the gene encoding thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1), which is closely related to atherosclerosis development and cell proliferation, was screened by analyzing the transcriptome sequencing data of static and Oss-treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Moreover, this study successfully verified that TXNRD1 mRNA and protein were significantly upregulated in Oss-treated HAECs. Oss significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HAECs, whereas TXNRD1 knockdown impaired the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of Oss-treated HAECs, and this process was mainly achieved via activation of the apoptosis pathway. To further clarify whether Oss-sensitive TXNRD1 affects the apoptosis rate and proliferative ability of HAECs by regulating the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway, we used NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to inhibit eNOS activity and nitric oxide (NO) production. L-NAME significantly reversed the promoting effect of TXNRD1 knockdown on Oss-treated HAEC apoptosis, and it also abolished the inhibitory effect of TXNRD1 knockdown on the proliferation and S + G2 phase cell mass of Oss-treated HAECs. In conclusion, this study showed that TXNRD1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of HAECs exposed to Oss by activating the eNOS/apoptosis pathway, revealing that TXNRD1 is involved in the dysregulation of Oss-induced endothelial cell proliferation. These findings provide new directions and insights into the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

MicroRNAs as master regulators of FOXO transcription factors in cancer management

MicroRNAs are critical regulators of the plethora of genes, including FOXO "forkhead" dependent transcription factors, which are bonafide tumour suppressors. The FOXO family members modulate a hub of cellular processes like apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, differentiation, ROS detoxification, and longevity. Aberrant expression of FOXOs in human cancers has been observed due to their down-regulation by diverse microRNAs, which are predominantly involved in tumour initiation, chemo-resistance and tumour progression. Chemo-resistance is a major obstacle in cancer treatment. Over 90% of casualties in cancer patients are reportedly associated with chemo-resistance. Here, we have primarily discussed the structure, functions of FOXO and also their post-translational modifications which influence the activities of these FOXO family members. Further, we have addressed the role of microRNAs in carcinogenesis by regulating the FOXOs at post-transcriptional level. Therefore, microRNAs-FOXO axis can be exploited as a novel cancer therapy. The administration of microRNA-based cancer therapy is likely to be beneficial to curb chemo-resistance in cancers.

Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Natural Nanocarriers: Concise Review

Intercellular communication, through direct and indirect cell contact, is mandatory in multicellular organisms. These last years, the microenvironment, and in particular, transfer by extracellular vesicles (EVs), has emerged as a new communication mechanism. Different biological fluids and cell types are common sources of EVs. EVs play different roles, acting as signalosomes, biomarkers, and therapeutic agents. As therapeutic agents, MSC-derived EVs display numerous advantages: they are biocompatible, non-immunogenic, and stable in circulation, and they are able to cross biological barriers. Furthermore, EVs have a great potential for drug delivery. Different EV isolation protocols and loading methods have been tested and compared. Published and ongoing clinical trials, and numerous preclinical studies indicate that EVs are safe and well tolerated. Moreover, the latest studies suggest their applications as nanocarriers. The current review will describe the potential for MSC-derived EVs as drug delivery systems (DDS) in disease treatment, and their advantages. Thereafter, we will outline the different EV isolation methods and loading techniques, and analyze relevant preclinical studies. Finally, we will describe ongoing and published clinical studies. These elements will outline the benefits of MSC-derived EV DDS over several aspects.

Advances in Understanding the Roles of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common and deadliest type of cancer worldwide. Research concerning lung cancer has made considerable progress in recent decades, but lung cancer remains the leading cause of malignancy-related mortality rate. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) mainly exist in fat, umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, bone, and muscle. MSCs are a primary component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have shown that MSCs have roles in lung cancer-related proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Because MSCs can migrate to the TME, there is increasing attention toward the use of MSCs in drugs or gene vectors for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the roles and effects of MSCs in lung cancer, while addressing clinical applications of MSCs in lung cancer treatment.

Ferroptosis and cuproptosis prognostic signature for prediction of prognosis, immunotherapy and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma: development and validation based on TCGA and ICGC databases

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis promote HCC spread and proliferation. While fewer studies have combined ferroptosis and cuproptosis to construct prognostic signature of HCC. This work attempts to establish a novel scoring system for predicting HCC prognosis, immunotherapy, and medication sensitivity based on ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs).

Methods

FerrDb and previous literature were used to identify FRGs. CRGs came from original research. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases included the HCC transcriptional profile and clinical information [survival time, survival status, age, gender, Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage, etc.]. Correlation, Cox, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were used to narrow down prognostic genes and develop an HCC risk model. Using "caret", R separated TCGA-HCC samples into a training risk set and an internal test risk set. As external validation, we used ICGC samples. We employed Kaplan-Meier analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the model's clinical efficacy. CIBERSORT and TIMER measured immunocytic infiltration in high- and low-risk populations.

Results

TXNRD1 [hazard ratio (HR) =1.477, P<0.001], FTL (HR =1.373, P=0.001), GPX4 (HR =1.650, P=0.004), PRDX1 (HR =1.576, P=0.002), VDAC2 (HR =1.728, P=0.008), OTUB1 (HR =1.826, P=0.002), NRAS (HR =1.596, P=0.005), SLC38A1 (HR =1.290, P=0.002), and SLC1A5 (HR =1.306, P<0.001) were distinguished to build predictive model. In both the model cohort (P<0.001) and the validation cohort (P<0.05), low-risk patients had superior overall survival (OS). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the ROC curves in the training cohort (1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs: 0.751, 0.727, and 0.743), internal validation cohort (1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs: 0.826, 0.624, and 0.589), and ICGC cohort (1-, 3-, and 5-year AUCs: 0.699, 0.702, and 0.568) were calculated. Infiltration of immune cells and immunological checkpoints were also connected with our signature. Treatments with BI.2536, Epothilone.B, Gemcitabine, Mitomycin.C, Obatoclax. Mesylate, and Sunitinib may profit high-risk patients.

Conclusions

We analyzed FRGs and CRGs profiles in HCC and established a unique risk model for treatment and prognosis. Our data highlight FRGs and CRGs in clinical practice and suggest ferroptosis and cuproptosis may be therapeutic targets for HCC patients. To validate the model's clinical efficacy, more HCC cases and prospective clinical assessments are needed.

Exosomal microRNA-506 inhibits biological activity of lung adenocarcinoma cells and increases sensitivity to cisplatin-based hyperthermia

Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Based on the bioinformatics analyses, the current study sought to explore the effects of exosomal miR-506 on LUAD cell biology and the efficacy of cisplatin (CDDP)-based hyperthermia (HT). After sample preparation, we identified decreased miR-506 and elevated ATAD2. LUAD cells were subsequently transfected with miR-506 mimic, oe-ATAD2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002 to analyze effects of the miR-506/ATAD2/PI3K/AKT axis on cell biological processes and chemoresistance. Effects of exosomal miR-506 on sensitivity of LUAD cells to CDDP-based HT were further assessed in a co-culture system of BMSC-derived exosomes and LUAD cells, which was also validated in tumor-bearing nude mice. miR-506 down-regulated ATAD2 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells and augmenting LUAD cell sensitivity to CDDP-based HT. Further, BMSCs-derived exosomes harboring miR-506 sensitized LUAD cells to DDP/HT both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings revealed that exosomal miR-506 sensitized LUAD cells to CDDP-based HT by inhibiting ATAD2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, offering a potential therapeutic target for LUAD treatment.

Expression patterns of platinum resistance-related genes in lung adenocarcinoma and related clinical value models

The purpose of this study was to explore platinum resistance-related biomarkers and mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma. Through the analysis of gene expression data of lung adenocarcinoma patients and normal patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus database, and A database of genes related to platinum resistance, platinum resistance genes in lung adenocarcinoma and platinum resistance-related differentially expressed genes were obtained. After screening by a statistical significance threshold, a total of 252 genes were defined as platinum resistance genes with significant differential expression, of which 161 were up-regulated and 91 were down-regulated. The enrichment results of up-regulated gene Gene Ontology (GO) showed that TOP3 entries related to biological processes (BP) were double-strand break repair, DNA recombination, DNA replication, the down-regulated gene GO enriches the TOP3 items about biological processes (BP) as a response to lipopolysaccharide, muscle cell proliferation, response to molecule of bacterial origin. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that the top three were e2f targets, g2m checkpoint, and rgf beta signaling. A prognostic model based on non-negative matrix factorization classification showed the characteristics of high- and low-risk groups. The prognostic model established by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and risk factor analysis showed that genes such as HOXB7, NT5E, and KRT18 were positively correlated with risk score. By analyzing the differences in m6A regulatory factors between high- and low-risk groups, it was found that FTO, GPM6A, METTL3, and YTHDC2 were higher in the low-risk group, while HNRNPA2B1, HNRNPC, TGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, IGF2BP3, and RBM15B were higher in the high-risk group. Immune infiltration and drug sensitivity analysis also showed the gene characteristics of the platinum-resistant population in lung adenocarcinoma. ceRNA analysis showed that has-miR-374a-5p and RP6-24A23.7 were lower in the tumor expression group, and that the survival of the low expression group was worse than that of the high expression group. In conclusion, the results of this study show that platinum resistance-related differentially expressed genes in lung adenocarcinoma are mainly concentrated in biological processes such as DNA recombination and response to lipopolysaccharide. The validation set proved that the high-risk group of our prognostic model had poor survival. M6A regulatory factor analysis, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity analysis all showed differences between high and low-risk groups. ceRNA analysis showed that has-miR-374a-5p and RP6-24A23.7 could be protective factors. Further exploration of the potential impact of these genes on the risk and prognosis of drug-resistant patients with lung adenocarcinoma would provide theoretical support for future research.

LncRNA ENSMUST00000171502 Induced by HIF-1α Ameliorates Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury via Targeting the miR-130b-3p/Mybl-1 Axis

Background: Numerous studies have suggested that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) affects the progression of ischemic acute kidney injury (IAKI). However, little information is currently available concerning the mechanisms of lncRNA171502 involved in IAKI. Methods: We applied an RT-qPCR assay for the expression of lncRNA171502 and miRNA-130b-3p, immunoblotting for the detection of Mybl-1-myeloblastosis oncogene-like 1 (Mybl-1) and cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) expression, and flow cytometry (FCM) for the evaluation of apoptosis. Result: Initially, lncRNA171502 was induced by HIF-1α in the mouse proximal tubular (BUMPT) cell line and C57BL/6J mice during ischemic injury. Secondly, ischemic injury-induced BUMPT cell apoptosis was markedly relieved following the overexpression of lncRNA171502. However, this effect was enhanced by the knockdown of lncRNA171502. Mechanistically, lncRNA171502 could sponge miRNA-130b-3p and would subsequently upregulate the expression of Mybl-1 to drive the apoptotic process. Lastly, the overexpression of lncRNA171502 alleviated the development of IAKI by targeting miRNA-130b-3p/Mybl-1 pathways. Conclusions: In summary, the HIF-1α/lncRNA171502/miRNA-130b-3p/Mybl-1 axis prevented the progression of IAKI and might serve as a potential therapeutic target.

STAT3/miR-130b-3p/MBNL1 feedback loop regulated by mTORC1 signaling promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth

Background

Aberrantly activated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) plays a vital role in tumor angiogenesis, but its precise mechanisms are still unclear.

Methods

Micro-RNA-130b-3p (miR-130b-3p) expression in mTORC1-activated and control cells was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). MiR-130b-3p levels and their correlation with mTORC1 activity were evaluated by analyzing publicly available databases and in-house head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues. The role of miR-130b-3p in mTORC1-mediated angiogenesis and tumor growth was examined using tube formation assay, chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, cell line − derived xenograft models, and an HNSCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. The regulatory mechanisms among signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), miR-130b-3p, and muscleblind-like protein 1 (MBNL1) were investigated via bioinformatics analyses, qRT-PCR, western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Results

Elevated miR-130b-3p enhanced the angiogenic and tumorigenic abilities of mTORC1-activated cells both in vitro and in vivo. STAT3, a downstream effector of mTORC1, transactivated miR-130b-3p by direct binding promoter of the miR-130b gene. MBNL1 was identified as a direct target of miR-130b-3p. MBNL1 depletion rescued the compromised angiogenesis and tumor growth caused by miR-130b-3p inhibition. MiR-130b-3p levels were significantly upregulated and positively correlated with mTORC1 signaling in multiple cancers. MiR-130b-3p inhibition attenuated tumor angiogenesis and growth in an HNSCC PDX model. MBNL1 feedback inhibited STAT3 activation in mTORC1-activated cells.

Conclusions

The STAT3/miR-130b-3p/MBNL1 feedback loop plays a vital role in mTORC1-mediated angiogenesis and tumor progression. This pathway could be targeted for therapeutic intervention of mTORC1-related cancers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02513-z.

An Overview of Current Research on Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2009 to 2021

Background: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are important mediators of intercellular communication and participate in numerous physiological and pathological processes in the body. This study aims to introduce the research status, analyze the research hotspots, and predict the development trend through bibliometric analysis of MSC-EVs.

Methods: We searched all relevant literature on MSC-EVs from 2009 to 2021 in the Web of Science. R-bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software were used to visualize the quantitative analysis of the published literature, including co-authorship, co-occurrence, citation, and co-citation, to provide objective presentation and predictions in the field.

Results: A total of 1595 articles and reviews on MSC-EVs published between 2009 and 2021 were identified. The annual publication outputs increased at an exponential rate, reaching as high as 555 publications in 2021. China contributed the most publications (n = 899, 56.36%) and had the most citations (n = 24,210). The United States had the strongest intensity of cooperation in this field. Shanghai Jiao Tong University had the maximum number of publications (n = 79). In terms of the number of publications and co-citations, the journal of Stem cell research & therapy ranked first. Camussi G was the most productive and most cited author. The top three themes in the research area were cell biology, research experimental medicine, and biochemistry molecular biology. Keyword co-occurrence and co-citation clustering analysis revealed that studies of MSC-EVs covered cellular origin (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell), injurious diseases (spinal cord injury, acute lung injury, ischemia/reperfusion injury, acute kidney injury, traumatic brain injury), tumor (breast cancer, tumor microenvironment), biological processes (drug delivery system, angiogenesis, inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, senescence), and molecular mechanisms (signaling pathway, signal transduction, oxidative stress, VEGF, TGF β).

Conclusions: Studies on MSC-EVs have shown a steep growth trend in recent years. Available studies mostly focused on the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of MSC-EVs in aplastic diseases. Multidisciplinary integration is a development trend in this field, and senescence-related topics might be the focus of future research on MSC-EVs.

Extracellular Vesicles and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Opportunities and Challenges

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain sufficient bioactive substances and are carriers of intercellular information exchange, as well as delivery vehicles for nucleic acids, proteins and drugs. Although EVs show great potential for the treatment of HCC and their role in HCC progression has been extensively studied, there are still many challenges such as time-consuming extraction, difficult storage, easy contamination, and low drug loading rate. We focus on the biogenesis, morphological characteristics, isolation and extraction of EVs and their significance in the progression of HCC, tumor invasion, immune escape and cancer therapy for a review. EVs may be effective biomarkers for molecular diagnosis of HCC and new targets for tumor-targeted therapy.

miR-130b Expression Level Changes Promote Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation But Inhibit its Apoptosis by Targeting CDKN1A Gene

Background: Dysregulation of miR-130b expression is associated with the development of different cancers. However, the description of the biological roles of miR-130b in the growth and survival of cervical cancer cells is limited.

Methods: The miR-130b levels in cervical cancer cells during different stages of growth were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The methylation level of DNA sequences upstream of the miR-130b gene was measured using an SYBR Green-based quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and fluorescence report assays were used to identify the miR-130b-targeted gene. Cell counting kit-8 and comet assays were used to determine cell viability and DNA damage levels in cells, respectively. EdU Apopllo488 in vitro Flow Cytometry kit, propidium iodide staining, anti-γ-H2AX antibody staining, and Annexin-V apoptosis kit were subsequently used to determine DNA synthesis rates, cell cycle distribution, count of DNA double-strand breaks, and levels of apoptotic cells.

Results: miR-130b levels increased at exponential phases of the growth of cervical cancer cells but reduced at stationary phases. The methylation of a prominent CpG island near the transcript start site suppressed the miR-130b gene expression. MiR-130b increased cell viability, promoted both DNA synthesis and G1 to S phase transition of the cells at exponential phases, but reduced cell viability accompanied by accumulations of DNA breaks and augmentations in apoptosis rates of the cells in stationary phases by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A mRNA.

Conclusion: miR-130b promoted the growth of cervical cancer cells during the exponential phase, whereas it impaired the survival of cells during stationary phases.

Cancer Stem Cells and Their Vesicles, Together with Other Stem and Non-Stem Cells, Govern Critical Cancer Processes: Perspectives for Medical Development

Stem cells, identified several decades ago, started to attract interest at the end of the nineties when families of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), concentrated in the stroma of most organs, were found to participate in the therapy of many diseases. In cancer, however, stem cells of high importance are specific to another family, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). This comprehensive review is focused on the role and the mechanisms of CSCs and of their specific extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are composed of both exosomes and ectosomes. Compared to non-stem (normal) cancer cells, CSCs exist in small populations that are preferentially distributed to the niches, such as minor specific tissue sites corresponding to the stroma of non-cancer tissues. At niches and marginal sites of other cancer masses, the tissue exhibits peculiar properties that are typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of cancers. The extracellular matrix (ECM) includes components different from non-cancer tissues. CSCs and their EVs, in addition to effects analogous to those of MSCs/EVs, participate in processes of key importance, specific to cancer: generation of distinct cell subtypes, proliferation, differentiation, progression, formation of metastases, immune and therapy resistance, cancer relapse. Many of these, and other, effects require CSC cooperation with surrounding cells, especially MSCs. Filtered non-cancer cells, especially macrophages and fibroblasts, contribute to collaborative cancer transition/integration processes. Therapy developments are mentioned as ongoing preclinical initiatives. The preliminary state of clinical medicine is presented in terms of both industrial development and future treatments. The latter will be administered to specific patients together with known drugs, with the aim of eradicating their tumor growth and metastases.

Emerging roles of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal tumours are the most common solid tumours, with a poor prognosis and remain a major challenge in cancer treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent stromal cells with the potential to differentiate into multiple cell types. Several studies have shown that MSC-derived exosomes have become essential regulators of intercellular communication in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Notably, MSC-derived exosomes support or inhibit tumour progression in different cancers through the delivery of proteins, RNA, DNA, and bioactive lipids. Herein, we summarise current advances in MSC-derived exosomes in cancer research, with particular reference to their role in gastrointestinal tumour development. MSC-derived exosomes are expected to be a novel potential strategy for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally phospholipid enclosed nanovesicles released by many cells in the body. They are stable in circulation, have low immunogenicity, and act as carriers for functionally active biological molecules. They interact with target organs and bind to the receptors. Their target specificity is important to use EVs as noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tools. EVs play a vital role in normal physiology and cellular communication. They are known to protect their cargo from degradation, which makes them important drug carriers for targeted drug delivery. Using EVs with markers and tracking their path in systemic circulation can be revolutionary in using them as diagnostic tools. We will discuss the scope of this in this paper. Although there are limitations in EVs isolation and storage, their high biocompatibility will fuel more innovations to overcome these challenges.

miR-4732-3p in Extracellular Vesicles From Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Is Cardioprotective During Myocardial Ischemia

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an emerging alternative to cell-based therapies to treat many diseases. However, the complexity of producing homogeneous populations of EVs in sufficient amount hampers their clinical use. To address these limitations, we immortalized dental pulp-derived MSC using a human telomerase lentiviral vector and investigated the cardioprotective potential of a hypoxia-regulated EV-derived cargo microRNA, miR-4732-3p. We tested the compared the capacity of a synthetic miR-4732-3p mimic with EVs to confer protection to cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Results showed that OGD-induced cardiomyocytes treated with either EVs or miR-4732-3p showed prolonged spontaneous beating, lowered ROS levels, and less apoptosis. Transfection of the miR-4732-3p mimic was more effective than EVs in stimulating angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and in reducing fibroblast differentiation upon transforming growth factor beta treatment. Finally, the miR-4732-3p mimic reduced scar tissue and preserved cardiac function when transplanted intramyocardially in infarcted nude rats. Overall, these results indicate that miR-4732-3p is regulated by hypoxia and exerts cardioprotective actions against ischemic insult, with potential application in cell-free-based therapeutic strategies.

Therapeutic roles of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in cancer

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane structures enclosing proteins, lipids, RNAs, metabolites, growth factors, and cytokines. EVs have emerged as essential intercellular communication regulators in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies revealed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could either support or suppress tumor progression in different cancers by paracrine signaling via MSC-derived EVs. Evidence suggested that MSC-derived EVs could mimic their parental cells, possessing pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects, and inherent tumor tropism. Therefore, MSC-derived EVs can be a cell-free cancer treatment alternative. This review discusses different insights regarding MSC-derived EVs' roles in cancer treatment and summarizes bioengineered MSC-derived EVs’ applications as safe and versatile anti-tumor agent delivery platforms. Meanwhile, current hurdles of moving MSC-derived EVs from bench to bedside are also discussed.

Recent Trends in Multipotent Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: Learning from History and Advancing Clinical Applications

Early cell biology reports demonstrated the presence of cells with stem-like properties in bone marrow, with both hematopoietic and mesenchymal lineages. Over the years, various investigations have purified and characterized mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from different human tissues as cells with multilineage differentiation potential under the appropriate conditions. Due to their appealing characteristics and versatile potentials, MSCs are leveraged in many applications in medicine such as oncology, bioprinting, and as recent as therapeutics discovery and innovation for COVID-19. To date, studies indicate that MSCs have varied differentiation capabilities into different cell types, and demonstrate immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Different microenvironments or niche for MSCs and their resulting heterogeneity may influence attendant cellular behavior and differentiation capacity. The potential clinical applications of MSCs and exosomes derived from these cells have led to an avalanche of research reports on their properties and hundreds of clinical trials being undertaken. There is ample reason to think, as discussed in this expert review that the future looks bright and promising for MSC research, with many clinical trials under way to ascertain their clinical utility. This review provides a synthesis of the latest advances and trends in MSC research to allow for broad and critically informed use of MSCs. Early observations of the presence of these cells in the bone marrow and their remarkable differentiation capabilities and immunomodulation are also presented.