miR-7977 inhibits the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway in bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells

Potential Use of Exosomal Non-Coding MicroRNAs in Leukemia Therapy: A Systematic Review

Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies. Despite the enormous progress that has been made in the field of hemato-oncology in recent years, there are still many problems related to, among others, disease recurrence and drug resistance, which is why the search for ideal biomarkers with high clinical utility continues. Research shows that exosomes play a critical role in the biology of leukemia and are associated with the drug resistance, metastasis, and immune status of leukemias. Exosomes with their cargo of non-coding RNAs act as a kind of intermediary in intercellular communication and, at the same time, have the ability to manipulate the cell microenvironment and influence the reaction, proliferative, angiogenic, and migratory properties of cells. Exosomal ncRNAs (in particular, circRNAs and microRNAs) appear to be promising cell-free biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment monitoring of leukemias. This review examines the expression of exosomal ncRNAs in leukemias and their potential regulatory role in leukemia therapy but also in conditions such as disease relapse, drug resistance, metastasis, and immune status. Given the key role of ncRNAs in regulating gene networks and intracellular pathways through their ability to interact with DNA, transcripts, and proteins and identifying their specific target genes, defining potential functions and therapeutic strategies will provide valuable information.

Pilot study on the impact of HIFU treatment on miRNA profiles in vaginal secretions of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis patients

BACKGROUND

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis has been long developed. The aim of this study is to investigate miRNA profile changes in vaginal secretions after HIFU treatment and their clinical relevance.

METHODS

We prospectively collected vaginal secretions samples from 8 patients (1 with adenomyosis and 7 with fibroids) before and after HIFU treatment. RNA was isolated and miRNA profiles were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) sequencing.

RESULTS

Our study showed miRNA profile change in vaginal secretion samples after HIFU treatment for uterine fibroids/adenomyosis, with 33 miRNAs upregulated and 6 downregulated overall. In fibroid cases, 31 miRNAs were upregulated and 7 downregulated, while in adenomyosis case, 41 miRNAs were upregulated and 71 downregulated. Four miRNAs (hsa-miR-7977, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p) showed significant differences after HIFU treatment in fibroid cases, except in case 5 with the lowest treatment sonications (425 sonications) and energy input (170000 J). hsa-miR-7977 consistently showed downregulation after HIFU treatment. hsa-miR-155-5p were downregulated in case 4 with lowest treatment efficiency (2439.64 J/cm3), while they were upregulated in other cases. hsa-miR-191-5p and hsa-miR-223-3p were downregulated in cases 4 and 7, with case 7 influenced by high sonication and energy due to multiple fibroids.

CONCLUSIONS

HIFU treatment altered miRNA profiles in fibroids/adenomyosis patients. Notably, hsa-miR-7977, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p, and hsa-miR-223-3p showed significant changes in fibroid cases, except in low-energy treatments. hsa-miR-7977 consistently decreased post-treatment, while hsa-miR-155-5p decreased in the least efficient cases. Further research is needed for validation.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hepatic stellate cells activation to alleviate liver fibrosis via Hippo pathway

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process of chronic liver disease, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been found to have potential therapy effect on liver fibrosis, but the mechanism involved was still unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) on the treatment of liver fibrosis, with particular emphasis on elucidating the underlying mechanism of action through which ADMSCs inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

METHODS

ADMSCs were isolated from adipose tissue and injected intravenously into hepatic fibrosis model of rats. The histopathological changes, liver function, collagen deposition, the expression of fibroin and Hippo pathway were evaluated. In vitro, ADMSCs were co-cultured with HSCs activated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and the inhibitor of Hippo pathway was used to evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of ADMSCs transplantation.

RESULTS

The results showed that after the transplantation of ADMSCs, the liver function of rats was improved, the degree of liver fibrosis and collagen deposition were reduced, and the Hippo signaling pathway was activated. In vitro, ADMSCs can effectively inhibit the proliferation and activation of HSCs induced by TGF-β1 treatment. However, the inhibitory effect of ADMSCs was weakened after blocking the Hippo signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

ADMSCs inhibit HSCs activation by regulating YAP/TAZ, thereby promoting functional recovery after liver fibrosis. These findings lay a foundation for further investigation into the precise mechanism by which ADMSCs alleviate liver fibrosis.

EV-mediated intercellular communication in acute myeloid leukemia: Transport of genetic materials in the bone marrow microenvironment

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common hematological cancer. Cancer cells exchange information with the surrounding microenvironment, which can be transmitted by extracellular vesicles (EVs). In recent years, the genetic materials transported by EVs have attracted attention due to their important roles in different pathological processes. EV-derived ncRNAs (EV-ncRNAs) regulate physiological functions and maintain homeostasis, mainly including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs. However, the mechanism of involvement and potential clinical application of EV-ncRNAs in AML have not been reported. Given the unique importance of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) for AML, a greater understanding of the communication between leukemic cells and the BMME is needed to improve the prognosis of patients and reduce the incidence of recurrence. Additionally, studies on leukemic EV-ncRNA transport guide the design of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for AML. This review systematically describes intercellular communication in the BMME of AML and emphasizes the role of EVs. More importantly, we focus on the information transmission of EV-ncRNAs in the BMME to explore their clinical application as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Downregulation of stromal syntenin sustains AML development

The crosstalk between cancer and stromal cells plays a critical role in tumor progression. Syntenin is a small scaffold protein involved in the regulation of intercellular communication that is emerging as a target for cancer therapy. Here, we show that certain aggressive forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) reduce the expression of syntenin in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). Stromal syntenin deficiency, in turn, generates a pro-tumoral microenvironment. From serial transplantations in mice and co-culture experiments, we conclude that syntenin-deficient BMSC stimulate AML aggressiveness by promoting AML cell survival and protein synthesis. This pro-tumoral activity is supported by increased expression of endoglin, a classical marker of BMSC, which in trans stimulates AML translational activity. In short, our study reveals a vicious signaling loop potentially at the heart of AML-stroma crosstalk and unsuspected tumor-suppressive effects of syntenin that need to be considered during systemic targeting of syntenin in cancer therapy.

Targeting Hippo signaling in cancer: novel perspectives and therapeutic potential

As highly conserved among diverse species, Hippo signaling pathway regulates various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size. Studies in the last two decades have provided a good framework for how these fundamental functions of Hippo signaling are tightly regulated by a network with numerous intracellular and extracellular factors. The Hippo signaling pathway, when dysregulated, may lead to a wide variety of diseases, especially cancer. There is growing evidence demonstrating that dysregulated Hippo signaling is closely associated with tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, and migration, as well as drug resistance. Therefore, the Hippo pathway is considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Promising novel agents targeting the Hippo signaling pathway for cancers have recently emerged. These novel agents have shown antitumor activity in multiple cancer models and demonstrated therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. However, the detailed molecular basis of the Hippo signaling-driven tumor biology remains undefined. Our review summarizes current advances in understanding the mechanisms by which Hippo signaling drives tumorigenesis and confers drug resistance. We also propose strategies for future preclinical and clinical development to target this pathway.

Recent Advances in Extracellular Vesicles in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Emergent Perspectives

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe and incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive death of motor neurons, leading to paralysis and death. It is a rare disease characterized by high patient-to-patient heterogeneity, which makes its study arduous and complex. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important players in the development of ALS. Thus, ALS phenotype-expressing cells can spread their abnormal bioactive cargo through the secretion of EVs, even in distant tissues. Importantly, owing to their nature and composition, EVs' formation and cargo can be exploited for better comprehension of this elusive disease and identification of novel biomarkers, as well as for potential therapeutic applications, such as those based on stem cell-derived exosomes. This review highlights recent advances in the identification of the role of EVs in ALS etiopathology and how EVs can be promising new therapeutic strategies.

The role of exosomes in the stemness maintenance and progression of acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy of myeloid hematopoietic cells, which is characterized by the aberrant clonal proliferation of immature myeloblasts and compromised hematopoiesis. The leukemic cell population is strongly heterogeneous. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are an important leukemic cell subset with stemness characteristics and self-renewal ability, which contribute to the development of refractory or relapsed AML. It is now acknowledged that LSCs develop from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or phenotypically directed cell populations with transcriptional stemness characteristics under selective pressure from the bone marrow (BM) niche. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles containing bioactive substances involved in intercellular communication and material exchange under steady state and pathological conditions. Several studies have reported that exosomes mediate molecular crosstalk between LSCs, leukemic blasts, and stromal cells in the BM niche, promoting LSC maintenance and AML progression. This review briefly describes the process of LSC transformation and the biogenesis of exosomes, highlighting the role of leukemic-cell- and BM-niche-derived exosomes in the maintenance of LSCs and AML progression. In addition, we discuss the potential application of exosomes in the clinic as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and carriers for targeted drug delivery.

Tumour‑derived exosomes and their emerging roles in leukaemia (Review)

Exosomes are small vesicles with a diameter of ~40-100 nm that are secreted by the majority of endogenous cells under normal and pathological conditions. They contain abundant proteins, lipids, microRNAs, and biomolecules such as signal transduction molecules, adhesion factors and cytoskeletal proteins, and play an important role in exchanging materials and transmitting information between cells. Recent studies have shown that exosomes are involved in the pathophysiology of leukaemia by affecting the bone marrow microenvironment, apoptosis, tumour angiogenesis, immune escape and chemotherapy resistance. Furthermore, exosomes are potential biomarkers and drug carriers for leukaemia, impacting the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia. The present study describes the biogenesis and general characteristics of exosomes, and then highlight the emerging roles of exosomes in different types of leukaemia. Finally, the value of clinical application of exosomes as biomarkers and drug carriers is discussed with the aim to provide novel strategies for the treatment of leukaemia.

Differential expression of microRNAs in bile duct obstruction-induced liver fibrosis and the identification of a novel liver fibrosis marker miR-1295b-3p

Background

Bile duct obstruction-induced liver fibrosis is mainly caused by cholestatic liver injury which stimulates liver cell inflammation and damages the liver structure, causing liver fibrosis. The differentially expressed microRNAs and the potential target genes and signal pathways that are involved in bile duct obstruction-induced liver fibrosis remain unclear. We examined the differential expression of microRNAs and the target genes in the liver tissues of patients with liver fibrosis.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing was used to detect the total microRNAs and identify the differentially expressed microRNAs. The topGO software was used to perform the Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis. The KOBAS software was used to analyze the associated biochemical metabolic pathways and signal transduction pathways. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were conducted to detect the expression of miR-1295b-3p, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Bcl-2, caspase-3, Bax, and β-arrestin1 (ARRB1). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by the Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. The targeting relationship between ARRB1 and miR-1295b-3p was verified using luciferase reporter assays.

Results

A total of 44 microRNAs were found to be differentially expressed, including 18 upregulated and 26 downregulated microRNAs. Five downregulated microRNAs, including miR-483-3p, miR-5589-3p, miR-1271-5p, miR-1295b-3p, and miR-7977. GO functional enrichment analysis of the target genes revealed the molecular functions, cellular location, and biological processes involved. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal pathway analysis showed that the target genes are mainly involved in metabolic pathways. In addition, the results of qRT-PCR revealed that miR-1295b-3p was downregulated in human fibrotic liver tissues and TGF-β1-activated LX-2 cells (human hepatic stellate cell line). Overexpression of miR-1295b-3p alleviated liver fibrosis, decreased the α-SMA levels, and inhibited proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in LX-2 cells. Dual-luciferase assays revealed that miR-1295b-3p suppressed ARRB1 expression by binding directly to its 3' untranslated region (UTR).

Conclusions

This study identified the differentially expressed microRNAs in bile duct obstruction-induced liver fibrosis and revealed the potential target genes and signal pathways involved. Overexpression of miR-1295b-3p alleviated liver fibrosis, however, the specific targeting mechanisms warrant further clarification. Therefore, overexpressing miR-1295b-3p may be a potential treatment method for liver fibrosis.

Wnt antagonism without TGFβ induces rapid MSC chondrogenesis via increasing AJ interactions and restricting lineage commitment

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remain one of the best cell sources for cartilage, a tissue without regenerative capacity. However, MSC chondrogenesis is commonly induced through TGFβ, a pleomorphic growth factor without specificity for this lineage. Using tissue- and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs, we demonstrate an efficient and precise approach to induce chondrogenesis through Wnt/β-catenin antagonism alone without TGFβ. Compared to TGFβ, Wnt/β-catenin antagonism more rapidly induced MSC chondrogenesis without eliciting off-target lineage specification toward smooth muscle or hypertrophy; this was mediated through increasing N-cadherin levels and β-catenin interactions-key components of the adherens junctions (AJ)-and increasing cytoskeleton-mediated condensation. Validation with transcriptomic analysis of human chondrocytes compared to MSCs and osteoblasts showed significant downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin and TGFβ signaling along with upregulation of α-catenin as an upstream regulator. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding developmental pathways and structural modifications in achieving efficient MSC chondrogenesis for translational application.

Graphene oxide accelerates diabetic wound repair by inhibiting apoptosis of Ad-MSCs via Linc00324/miR-7977/STK4 pathway

Many studies have shown that graphene oxide (GO) promotes proliferation and differentiation of a variety of stem cells. However, its effect on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (Ad-MSCs) apoptosis is still unclear. Apoptosis is a significant factor affecting stem cell-based treatment of diabetic wounds. Therefore, we explored the effect of GO on Ad-MSC apoptosis and diabetic wound healing. In this study, qRT-PCR was used to detect Ad-MSC expression of LncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs under high-glucose environment. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, and luciferase assays were used to detect interactions of specific lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. The effects of GO on Ad-MSC apoptosis were explored by flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, and Western blot. A diabetic wound model was used to explore the function of Linc00324 on Ad-MSC reparative properties in vivo. As a result, GO inhibited high glucose-induced apoptosis in Ad-MSCs, and Linc00324 contributed to the anti-apoptotic effect of GO. RIP and RNA pull-down confirmed that Linc00324 directly interacted with miR-7977, functioning as a miRNA sponge to regulate expression of the miR-7977 target gene STK4 (MST1) and downstream signaling pathways. In addition, GO reduced the apoptosis of Ad-MSCs in wounds and promoted wound healing. Taken together, these findings suggest GO may be a superior auxiliary material for Ad-MSCs to facilitate diabetic wound healing via the Linc00324/miR-7977/STK4 pathway.

Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in normal and malignant hematopoiesis

Hematopoietic stem cells, regulated by their microenvironment (or “niche”), sustain the production of mature blood and immune cells. Leukemia cells remodel the microenvironment to enhance their survival, which is accompanied by the loss of support for normal hematopoiesis in hematologic malignancies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication in physiological and pathological conditions, and deciphering their functions in cell-cell interactions in the ecosystem can highlight potential therapeutic targets. In this Review, we illustrate the utility of EVs derived from various cell types, focusing on the biological molecules they contain and the behavioral alterations they can induce in recipient cells. We also discuss the potential for clinical application in hematologic malignancies, including EV-based therapeutic regimens, drug delivery via EVs, and the use of EVs (or their cargoes) as biomarkers.

The Landscape of Exosome-Derived Non-Coding RNA in Leukemia

Leukemia is a group of life-threatening hematological malignancies which is currently incurable and often accompanied by drug resistance or disease relapse. Understanding the pathogenesis of leukemia and finding specific therapeutic targets and biomarkers is of great importance to improve the clinical efficacy of leukemia. Exosome-derived ncRNAs have been demonstrated as critical components of intercellular communication and function as key facilitators in the leukemia biological process. This review outlines the current investigations of exosomal ncRNAs (including miRNA, circRNA, and lncRNA) as important mediators of leukemia and potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for leukemia treatment. Moreover, we generally analyze the prospects and challenges for exosomal ncRNAs from the aspects of research and clinical application.

The Hippo signaling pathway in leukemia: function, interaction, and carcinogenesis

Cancer can be considered as a communication disease between and within cells; nevertheless, there is no effective therapy for the condition, and this disease is typically identified at its late stage. Chemotherapy, radiation, and molecular-targeted treatment are typically ineffective against cancer cells. A better grasp of the processes of carcinogenesis, aggressiveness, metastasis, treatment resistance, detection of the illness at an earlier stage, and obtaining a better therapeutic response will be made possible. Researchers have discovered that cancerous mutations mainly affect signaling pathways. The Hippo pathway, as one of the main signaling pathways of a cell, has a unique ability to cause cancer. In order to treat cancer, a complete understanding of the Hippo signaling system will be required. On the other hand, interaction with other pathways like Wnt, TGF-β, AMPK, Notch, JNK, mTOR, and Ras/MAP kinase pathways can contribute to carcinogenesis. Phosphorylation of oncogene YAP and TAZ could lead to leukemogenesis, which this process could be regulated via other signaling pathways. This review article aimed to shed light on how the Hippo pathway interacts with other cellular signaling networks and its functions in leukemia.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosomal miR-425-5p Inhibits Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, Invasion and Migration by Targeting WTAP

Introduction

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a predominant blood malignancy with high mortality and severe morbidity. AML is affected by microRNAs (miRNAs) loaded in exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). MiR-425-5p has been reported to participate in different cancer models. However, the function of BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p in AML is unclear.

Methods

The expression of miR-425-5p was measured by qRT-PCR in clinical AML samples. The immunophenotype of BM-MSCs was analyzed using antibodies against CD44, CD90, and CD105. The exosome was isolated from BM-MSCs. The effect of BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p on AML was analyzed by CCK-8 assay, Edu assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry in AML cells. qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot analysis were also conducted in AML cells.

Results

The expression levels of miR-425-5p were decreased in CD34 + CD38-AML cells from primary AML patients compared to that from the bone marrow of healthy cases, and were reduced in exosomes from AML patients compared that from healthy cases. Similarly, miR-425-5p was also down-regulated in AML cell lines compared with BM-MSCs. MiR-425-5p was able to express in exosomes from BM-MSCs. CCK-8, Edu, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis revealed that BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p significantly inhibited cell viability, Edu positive cells, invasion and migration, and induced apoptosis of AML cells. Meanwhile, the expression levels of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase3 were increased by BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p in cells. MiR-425-5p inhibited the expression of Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP). Moreover, overexpression of WTAP could reverse the miR-425-5p-induced inhibition effect on AML cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion.

Conclusion

BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of AML cells and induced apoptosis of AML cells by targeting WTAP. Therapeutically, BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p may serve as a potential target for AML therapy.

MicroRNA-9 restrains the sharp increase and boost apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia cells by adjusting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a very important role in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study focuses on the effects of miR-9 on the regulation of AML cells and their related signaling pathways. We found that the expression of miR-9 was significantly decreased in four AML cell lines (THP-1, HL-60, TF-1 and KG-1) compared with the human normal bone marrow cells (HS-5). Moreover, miR-9 overexpression inhibited HL-60 cell proliferation ability, and promoted apoptosis. However, interfering with miR-9 expression promoted the proliferation of HL-6 cells and inhibited apoptosis. Western blotting results subsequently showed that overexpression of miR-9 could elevate the expression of MAT1, LATS1, and LATS2 in HL-60 cells, and inhibit the expression of YAP, while the interference with miR-9 had the opposite result. Taken together, miR-9 may act as a tumor suppressor by activating the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway of AML cells, which in this way supply ideas for the clinical remedy of AML patients.

Hippo pathway: Regulation, deregulation and potential therapeutic targets in cancer

Hippo pathway is a master regulator of development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size control. Hippo pathway relays signals from different extracellular and intracellular events to regulate cell behavior and functions. Hippo pathway is conserved from Protista to eukaryotes. Deregulation of the Hippo pathway is associated with numerous cancers. Alteration of the Hippo pathway results in cell invasion, migration, disease progression, and therapy resistance in cancers. However, the function of the various components of the mammalian Hippo pathway is yet to be elucidated in detail especially concerning tumor biology. In the present review, we focused on the Hippo pathway in different model organisms, its regulation and deregulation, and possible therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Circular RNA YAP1 attenuates osteoporosis through up-regulation of YAP1 and activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease resulting from decreased bone mass and bone microstructure degeneration. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) belongs to YAP family and plays a significant part in controlling bone quality.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Present study aimed to study the function and up-stream mechanism of YAP1 in the differentiation of BMSCs (bone marrow stromal cells) and MC3T3-E1.

METHODS

ALP staining, alizarin red staining and western blot analysis of osteogenic biomarkers determined osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs and MC3T3-E1. Mechanistic assays including luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull down assay disclosed the interplays between RNAs.

RESULTS

YAP1 promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and MC3T3-E1. Circ_0024097 originated from YAP1 sponged miR-376b-3p to elevate YAP1 expression in BMSCs and MC3T3-E1. Further, YAP1 mediated circ_0024097- promoted effects on osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, circ_0024097 activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway to facilitate osteogenic differentiation.

CONCLUSION

It was firstly uncovered in present study that circ_0024097 attenuated osteoporosis through promoting osteogenic differentiation via miR-376b-3p/YAP1 axis and Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Deciphering the messages carried by extracellular vesicles in hematological malignancies

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized membrane-bound particles released from all living cells examined thus far. EVs can transfer information in the form of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids from donor cells to recipient cells. Here we summarize recent advances in understanding the role(s) EVs play in hematological malignancies (HM) and outline potential prognostic and diagnostic strategies using EVs. EVs have been shown to promote proliferation and angiogenesis, and alter the bone marrow microenvironment to favour the growth and survival of diverse HM. They also promote evasion of anti-cancer immune responses and increase multi-drug resistance. Using knowledge of EV biology, including HM-specific packaging of cargo, EV based diagnostics and therapeutic approaches show substantial clinical promise. However, while EVs may represent a new paradigm to solve many of the challenges in treating and/or diagnosing HM, much work is needed before they can be used clinically to improve patient outcomes.

Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs in Radioresistant and Radiosensitive Atypical Meningioma: A Clinical Study in Chinese Patients

Background: For atypical meningiomas (AMs), the combination of gross total resection (GTR) and adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) is still a controversial therapeutic strategy to improve prognosis. This study analyzed the factors influencing the prognosis on AM patients treated with GTR + ART by investigating both clinical characteristics and the change in microRNA (miRNA) expression.

Materials and Methods: Adult AM patients who were admitted to the Tiantan hospital from 2008 to 2015 and underwent GTR + ART were included. Patients who suffered recurrence within 3 years after operation were considered radioresistant, while the others were considered radiosensitive. Clinical characterizations were compared between these two groups. The microRNA (miRNA) expression was detected via miRNA microarray in 10 patients, five from the radiosensitive group and from the radioresistant group.

Results: A total of 55 cases were included in this study. No significant difference was found in the clinical characteristics (gender, age, tumor location, tumor size, peritumoral brain edema, and Ki-67 index) between radiosensitive and radioresistant patients. We found seven significantly upregulated miRNAs (miR-4286, miR-4695-5p, miR-6732-5p, miR-6855-5p, miR-7977, miR-6765-3p, miR-6787-5p) and seven significantly downregulated miRNAs (miR-1275, miR-30c-1-3p, miR-4449, miR-4539, miR-4684-3p, miR-6129, miR-6891-5p) in patients resistant to radiotherapy. The differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched mostly in the fatty acid metabolic pathways (hsa00061, hsa01212) and transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway (hsa04350).

Conclusion: For AM patients treated with GTR + ART, the changes in miRNA expression discovered in this study may be a potential predictor of individual sensitivity to adjuvant radiotherapy. Further research is needed regarding the predictive power and mechanism by which these miRNAs influence prognosis.

BH3 profiling discriminates the anti‑apoptotic status of 5‑fluorouracil‑resistant colon cancer cells

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a cytotoxic anticancer drug commonly used for patients with advanced colon cancer. This drug effectively reduces the size of tumors to a certain degree; however, cancer cells can gradually acquire resistance, resulting in disease progression. To identify the mechanism of 5-FU resistance, we established three 5-FU-resistant colon cancer cell lines and analyzed both apoptosis-related protein expression levels and BH3 profiling. These 5-FU-resistant colon cancer cell lines acquired apoptotic resistance to 5-FU. Although apoptosis-related protein expression levels were altered in each 5-FU-resistant colon cancer cell line variably, BH3 profiling indicated BCLXL dependence in 5-FU-resistant HT-29 cells only. Functional BCLXL inhibition in 5-FU-resistant HT-29 cells not only sensitized the cells to apoptosis but also overcame 5-FU resistance. The apoptotic BIM protein was preferentially sequestered, thereby resulting in acquired dependence on BCLXL for survival. Additionally, in vivo models showed that BCLXL inhibition controlled tumor progression. These results indicate that BH3 profiling facilitates the identification of the functional role of anti-apoptotic proteins during drug resistance and has clinical implications for colon cancer in targeting specific proteins such as BCLXL.