Exosomal miR-500a-5p derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through targeting USP28

Exosomal miRNA-92a derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promote invasion and metastasis in breast cancer by regulating G3BP2

Cancer-associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) exert a tumor-promoting effect in various cancers, including breast cancer. CAFs secrete exosomes containing miRNA and proteins, influencing the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we identified CAF-derived exosomes that transport functional miR-92a from CAFs to tumor cells, thereby intensifying the aggressiveness of breast cancer. CAFs downregulate the expression of G3BP2 in breast cancer cells, and a significant elevation in miR-92a levels in CAF-derived exosomes was observed. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that miR-92a enhances breast cancer cell migration and invasion by directly targeting G3BP2, functioning as a tumor-promoting miRNA. We validated that the RNA-binding proteins SNRPA facilitate the transfer of CAF-derived exosomal miR-92a to breast cancer cells. The reduction of G3BP2 protein by CAF-derived exosomes releases TWIST1 into the nucleus, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and further exacerbating breast cancer progression. Moreover, CAF-derived exosomal miR-92a induces tumor invasion and metastasis in mice. Overall, our study reveals that CAF-derived exosomal miR-92a serves as a promoter in the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by reducing G3BP2 and may represent a potential novel tumor marker for breast cancer.

The role of extracellular vesicles in immune cell exhaustion and resistance to immunotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanoparticles for intercellular communication. Subtypes of EVs, namely exosomes and microvesicles transfer diverse, bioactive cargo to their target cells and eventually interfere with immune responses. Despite being a promising approach, cancer immunotherapy currently faces several challenges including immune resistance. EVs secreted from various sources in the tumor microenvironment provoke immune cell exhaustion and lower the efficacy of immunological treatments, such as CAR T cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

AREAS COVERED

This article goes through the mechanisms of action of various types of EVs in inhibiting immune response and immunotherapies, and provides a comprehensive review of EV-based treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

By making use of the distinctive features of EVs, natural or modified EVs are innovatively utilized as novel cancer therapeutics. They are occasionally coupled with currently established treatments to overcome their inadequacies. Investigating the properties and interactions of EVs and EV-based treatments is crucial for determining future steps in cancer therapeutics.

Research on the mechanism of exosomes from different sources influencing the progression of lung cancer

As a key regulator of intercellular communication, exosomes are essential for tumor cells. In our study, we will explore the mechanisms of exosomes from different sources on lung cancer. We isolated CD8+T cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from venous blood and tumor tissues of lung cancer patients, and isolated exosomes. MiR-2682 was high expression in CD8+T-derived exosomes, and lncRNA-FOXD3-AS1 was upregulated in CAF-derived exosomes. Online bioinformatics database analysis showed that RNA Binding Motif Protein 39 (RBM39) was identified as the target of miR-2682, and eukaryotic translation initiation factors 3B (EIF3B) was identified as the RNA binding protein of FOXD3-AS1. CD8+T-derived exosomes inhibited the growth of A549 cells and promoted apoptosis, while miR-2682 inhibits reversed these effects of CD8+T-derived exosomes. CAF-derived exosomes promoted the growth of A549 cells and inhibited apoptosis, while FOXD3-AS1 siRNA reversed the effect of CAF-derived exosomes. Mechanism studies have found that miR-2682 inhibits the growth of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of RBM39. FOXD3-AS1 promoted the growth of lung cancer cells by binding to EIF3B. In vivo experiments showed that CD8+T cell-derived exosome miR-2682 inhibited lung cancer tumor formation, while CAF-derived exosome FOXD3-AS1 promoted lung cancer tumor formation. This study provides mechanistic insights into the role of miR-2682 and FOXD3-AS1 in lung cancer progression and provides new strategies for lung cancer treatment.

Exosomal let-7a-5p derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviates coxsackievirus B3-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via the SMAD2/ZFP36 signal axis

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is one of the most common acquired heart diseases in children and teenagers. However, its pathogenesis is still unclear, and effective treatments are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory pathway by which exosomes alleviate ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes (CMCs) induced by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). CVB3 was utilized for inducing the VMC mouse model and cellular model. Cardiac echocardiography, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were implemented to assess the cardiac function. In CVB3-induced VMC mice, cardiac insufficiency was observed, as well as the altered levels of ferroptosis-related indicators (glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)). However, exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs-exo) could restore the changes caused by CVB3 stimulation. Let-7a-5p was enriched in hucMSCs-exo, and the inhibitory effect of hucMSCs-exolet-7a-5p mimic on CVB3-induced ferroptosis was higher than that of hucMSCs-exomimic NC (NC: negative control). Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2) increased in the VMC group, while the expression of zinc-finger protein 36 (ZFP36) decreased. Let-7a-5p was confirmed to interact with SMAD2 messenger RNA (mRNA), and the SMAD2 protein interacted directly with the ZFP36 protein. Silencing SMAD2 and overexpressing ZFP36 inhibited the expression of ferroptosis-related indicators. Meanwhile, the levels of GPX4, solute carrier family 7, member 11 (SLC7A11), and GSH were lower in the SMAD2 overexpression plasmid (oe-SMAD2)+let-7a-5p mimic group than in the oe-NC+let-7a-5p mimic group, while those of MDA, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Fe2+ increased. In conclusion, these data showed that ferroptosis could be regulated by mediating SMAD2 expression. Exo-let-7a-5p derived from hucMSCs could mediate SMAD2 to promote the expression of ZFP36, which further inhibited the ferroptosis of CMCs to alleviate CVB3-induced VMC.

Exosomal HMGB3 released by glioma cells confers the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in tumor-associated macrophages

BACKGROUND

Previous evidences has highlighted the pivotal role of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated inflammasomes and pyroptosis activation in driving tumor malignancy and shaping the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the impact of high-mobility group box 3 (HMGB3) released in glioma-derived exosomes on macrophage infiltration in gliomas, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and polarization.

METHODS

Transcripts and protein levels of HMGB3, and cytokines associated with macrophage phenotypes and pyroptosis were assessed in glioma tissues and cell lines (U251, LN229, T98G, A172) using qRT-PCR and/or Western blot analysis. Exosomes secreted from LN229 and NHA cells were isolated via differential ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and analysis of exosome-related markers. PKH67 staining was employed to examine exosomes uptake by THP-1 differentiated macrophages. Flow cytometry was utilized to assess macrophage pyroptotic rates and polarization-related markers.

RESULTS

HMGB3 expression was elevated in glioma tissues, serum samples and tumor cell lines. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a positive correlation between higher HMGB3 expression and poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Moreover, glioma tissues with increased HMGB3 expression exhibited significant upregulation of M2 macrophages markers (CD68, CD206, Arg1) and NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC), suggesting that HMGB3 was closely associated with macrophage infiltration and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, HMGB3 was found to be enriched in glioma cell- secreted exosomes and could be internalized by macrophages. Knockdown of HMGB3 in glioma cell exosomes could restrain M2 macrophage polarization, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that glioma cells secreted exosomal HMGB3 could facilitate macrophage M2 polarization, pyroptosis and inflammatory infiltration, indicating HMGB3 might be a poor prognosis factor for glioma.

The role of exosome derived miRNAs in inter-cell crosstalk among insulin-related organs in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by almost all cell types, and carry diverse cargo including RNA, and other substances. Recent studies have focused exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) on various human diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (METS) which accompany the occurrence of insulin resistance. The regulation of insulin signaling has connected with some miRNA expression which play a significant regulatory character in insulin targeted cells or organs, such as fat, muscle, and liver. The miRNAs carried by exosomes, through the circulation in the body fluids, mediate all kinds of physiological and pathological process involved in the human body. Studies have found that exosome derived miRNAs are abnormally expressed and cross-talked with insulin targeted cells or organs to affect insulin pathways. Further investigations of the mechanisms of exosomal miRNAs in T2DM will be valuable for the diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of T2DM. This review will summarize the molecular mechanism of action of the miRNAs carried by exosomes which are secreted from insulin signaling related cells, and elucidate the pathogenesis of insulin resistance to provide a new strategy for the potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the type 2 diabetes.

Biological Roles and Clinical Applications of Exosomes in Breast Cancer: A Brief Review

Breast cancer (BC) is a global health risk for women and has a high prevalence rate. The drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis of BC affect patient prognosis, thus posing a challenge to scientists. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that originate from various cells; they have a double-layered lipid membrane structure and contain rich biological information. They mediate intercellular communication and have pivotal roles in tumor development, progression, and metastasis and drug resistance. Exosomes are important cell communication mediators in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Exosomes are utilized as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for estimating the treatment efficacy of BC and have the potential to function as tools to enable the targeted delivery of antitumor drugs. This review introduces recent progress in research on how exosomes influence tumor development and the TME. We also present the research progress on the application of exosomes as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and drug delivery tools.

The hidden messengers: cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNAs as key regulators of cancer malignancy

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a class of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a key role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. CAFs mediate their activities by secreting soluble chemicals, releasing exosomes, and altering the extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contain various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. microRNA (miRNA), a 22-26 nucleotide non-coding RNA, can regulate the cellular transcription processes. Studies have shown that miRNA-loaded exosomes secreted by CAFs engage in various regulatory communication networks with other TME constituents. This study focused on the roles of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs in generating cancer malignant characteristics, including immune modulation, tumor growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and treatment resistance. This study thoroughly examines miRNA's dual regulatory roles in promoting and suppressing cancer. Thus, changes in the CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, and their specificity can be used to develop newer therapies. This review also discusses the pressing problems that require immediate attention, aiming to inspire researchers to explore more novel avenues in this field.

Investigation of the mechanism of USP28-mediated IFITM3 elevation in BCR-ABL-dependent imatinib resistance in CML

Due to resistance and BCR-ABLT315I-mutated, CML remains a clinical challenge. It needs new potential therapeutic targets to overcome CML resistance related to BCR-ABL. Our research revealed that the deubiquitinating enzyme USP28 was highly expressed in BCR-ABL-dependent CML patients. Similarly, a high expression of USP28 was found in the K562 cell line, particularly in the imatinib-resistant strains. Notably, USP28 directly interacted with BCR-ABL. Furthermore, when BCR-ABL and its mutant BCR-ABLT315I were overexpressed in K562-IMR, they promoted the expression of IFITM3. However, when small molecule inhibitors targeting USP28 and small molecule degraders targeting BCR-ABL were combined, they significantly inhibited the expression of IFITM3. The experiments conducted on tumor-bearing animals revealed that co-treated mice showed a significant reduction in tumor size, effectively inhibiting the progression of CML tumors. In summary, USP28 promoted the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells in BCR-ABL-dependent CML by enhancing the expression of IFITM3. Moreover, imatinib resistance might be triggered by the activation of the USP28-BCR-ABL-IFITM3 pathway. Thus, the combined inhibition of USP28 and BCR-ABL could be a promising approach to overcome CML resistance dependent on BCR-ABL.

The rising roles of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment reprogramming and cancer immunotherapy

Exosomes are indispensable for intercellular communications. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is the living environment of tumor cells, which is composed of various components, including immune cells. Based on TME, immunotherapy has been recently developed for eradicating cancer cells by reactivating antitumor effect of immune cells. The communications between tumor cells and TME are crucial for tumor development, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exosomes play an important role in mediating these communications and regulating the reprogramming of TME, which affects the sensitivity of immunotherapy. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the role of exosomes in TME reprogramming and the impact of exosomes on immunotherapy. Here, we review the communication role of exosomes in regulating TME remodeling and the efficacy of immunotherapy, as well as summarize the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we also introduce the potential application of the artificially modified exosomes as the delivery systems of antitumor drugs. Further efforts in this field will provide new insights on the roles of exosomes in intercellular communications of TME and cancer progression, thus helping us to uncover effective strategies for cancer treatment.

Correlation Between miR-497-5p Expression With Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis in Patients With Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) comprises multiple biological and histologic properties. MicroRNAs show key functions in cancer prognosis. This paper explored the relationship between miR-497-5p with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in BC. Cancer tissues and normal adjacent tissues (NATs) were collected from 140 included patients with BC. The clinical baseline data, including age, tumor size, pathologic grade, clinical stage, modified Scraff-Bloom-Richardson grade, and lymph node metastasis, were recorded. miR-497-5p expression in cancer tissues and NAT was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Patients with BC were followed up for 5 years to record their survival. Patients were divided into the miR-497-5p low expression and high expression groups to assess the correlation between miR-497-5p expression with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival of patients. The role of miR-497-5p as an independent risk factor for death was further analyzed by a multivariate Cox regression model. miR-497-5p was downregulated in BC tissues than NAT. Tumor size, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis showed significant differences among patients with high and low miR-497-5p expression levels. Patients with BC with low miR-497-5p expression presented decreased survival. Lowly-expressed miR-497-5p was an independent risk factor for death in patients. Collectively, cancer tissue miR-497-5p low expression increases the risk of death and serves as an independent risk factor for death in patients with BC.

Liquid biopsy using non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles for breast cancer management

This article examines liquid biopsy using non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles in detail. Liquid biopsy is emerging as a prominent non-invasive diagnostic tool in the treatment of breast cancer. We will elucidate the roles of these molecules in early detection, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and prognostic assessment of breast cancer. Additionally, the clinical significance of these molecules will be discussed. We aim to delve into the distinct characteristics of these molecules and their possible roles in breast cancer management, with an anticipation of their contribution to future diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.

Exosomal microRNAs in breast cancer: towards theranostic applications

Breast cancer is one of the top two reproductive cancers responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality among women globally. Despite the advancements in the treatment of breast cancer, its early diagnosis remains a challenge. Recent evidence indicates that despite the adroit use of numerous strategies to facilitate rapid and precision-oriented screening of breast cancer at the community level through the use of mammograms, Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and biomarker tracking, no strategy has been unequivocally accepted as a gold standard for facilitating rapid screening for disease. This necessitates the need to identify novel strategies for the detection and triage of breast cancer lesions at higher rates of specificity, and sensitivity, whilst taking into account the epidemiologic and social-demographic features of the patients. Recent shreds of evidence indicate that exosomes could be a robust source of biomaterial for the rapid screening of breast cancer due to their high stability and their presence in body fluids. Increasing evidence indicates that the Exosomal microRNAs- play a significant role in modifying the tumour microenvironment of breast cancers, thereby potentially aiding in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. In this review, we summarize the role of ExomiRs in the tumour microenvironment in breast cancer. These ExomiRs can also be used as candidate biomarkers for facilitating rapid screening and triaging of breast cancer patients for clinical intervention.

Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix components that profoundly influence cancer progression. Among the key players in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing attention for their diverse and influential roles. CAFs are activated fibroblasts found abundantly within the TME of various cancer types. CAFs contribute significantly to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and modulating immune cell infiltration. In order to influence the microenvironment, CAFs engage in cross-talk with immune cells, cancer cells, and other stromal components through paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. This cross-talk can result in immunosuppression, tumor cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs play a crucial role in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CAFs can modulate the tumor response to treatment by secreting factors that promote drug efflux, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and suppress apoptosis pathways. This paper aims to understand the multifaceted functions of CAFs within the TME, discusses cross-talk between CAFs with other TME cells, and sheds light on the contibution of CAFs to therapy resistance. Targeting CAFs or disrupting their cross-talk with other cells holds promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving the treatment efficacy of various cancer types.

Advances in 3D Culture Models to Study Exosomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Breast cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, exhibits distinct subtypes with varying pathological, genetic, and clinical characteristics. Despite advancements in breast cancer treatments, its histological and molecular heterogeneity pose a significant clinical challenge. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype lacking targeted therapeutics, adds to the complexity of breast cancer treatment. Recent years have witnessed the development of advanced 3D culture technologies, such as organoids and spheroids, providing more representative models of healthy human tissue and various malignancies. These structures, resembling organs in structure and function, are generated from stem cells or organ-specific progenitor cells via self-organizing processes. Notably, 3D culture systems bridge the gap between 2D cultures and in vivo studies, offering a more accurate representation of in vivo tumors' characteristics. Exosomes, small nano-sized molecules secreted by breast cancer and stromal/cancer-associated fibroblast cells, have garnered significant attention. They play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication, influencing tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. The 3D culture environment enhances exosome efficiency compared to traditional 2D cultures, impacting the transfer of specific cargoes and therapeutic effects. Furthermore, 3D exosomes have shown promise in improving therapeutic outcomes, acting as potential vehicles for cancer treatment administration. Studies have demonstrated their role in pro-angiogenesis and their innate therapeutic potential in mimicking cellular therapies without side effects. The 3D exosome model holds potential for addressing challenges associated with drug resistance, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying multidrug resistance and serving as a platform for drug screening. This review seeks to emphasize the crucial role of 3D culture systems in studying breast cancer, especially in understanding the involvement of exosomes in cancer pathology.

Roles of exosomes in immunotherapy for solid cancers

Although immunotherapy has made breakthrough progress, its efficacy in solid tumours remains unsatisfactory. Exosomes are the main type of extracellular vesicles that can deliver various intracellular molecules to adjacent or distant cells and organs, mediating various biological functions. Studies have found that exosomes can both activate the immune system and inhibit the immune system. The antigen and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) carried in exosomes make it possible to develop them as anticancer vaccines. Exosomes derived from blood, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid can be used as ideal biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In recent years, exosome-based therapy has made great progress in the fields of drug transportation and immunotherapy. Here, we review the composition and sources of exosomes in the solid cancer immune microenvironment and further elaborate on the potential mechanisms and pathways by which exosomes influence immunotherapy for solid cancers. Moreover, we summarize the potential clinical application prospects of engineered exosomes and exosome vaccines in immunotherapy for solid cancers. Eventually, these findings may open up avenues for determining the potential of exosomes for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in solid cancer immunotherapy.

CAFs-derived exosomes promote the development of cervical cancer by regulating miR-18a-5p-TMEM170B signaling axis

Mounting studies have showed that tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for cervical cancer (CC), and cancer-related fibroblasts (CAFs) play a major role in it. Recently, exosomal miRNAs secreted by CAFs have been found to be potential targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the function of CAFs-mediated exosome miR-18a-5p (CAFs-exo-miR-18a-5p) in CC. First, in combination with bioinformatic data analysis of the GEO database (GSE86100) and RT-qPCR of CC clinical tissue samples and cell lines, miR-18a-5p was discovered to be markedly up-regulated in CC. Next, CAFs-secreted exosomes were isolated and it was found that miR-18a-5p expression was dramatically promoted in CC cell lines when treated with CAFs-exos. The CAFs-exo-miR-18a-5p was then elucidated to stimulate the proliferation and migration and inhibit the apoptosis of CC cells. In order to clarify the underlying mechanism, we further screened the target genes of miR-18a-5p. TMEM170B was selected by bioinformatic data analysis of online databases combined with RT-qPCR of CC clinical tissues and cells. Luciferase reporter gene analysis combined with molecular biology experiments further elucidated that miR-18a-5p suppressed TMEM170B expression in CC. Finally, both cell and animal experiments demonstrated that TMEM170B over-expression attenuated the oncogenic effect of CAFs-exo-miR-18a-5p. In conclusion, our study indicates that CAFs-mediated exosome miR-18a-5p promotes the initiation and development of CC by suppressing TMEM170B signaling axis, which provides a possible direction for the diagnosis and therapy of CC.

Exosomal miR-361-3p promotes the viability of breast cancer cells by targeting ETV7 and BATF2 to upregulate the PAI-1/ERK pathway

BACKGROUND

Malignant progression is the major cause of poor prognosis in breast cancer (BC) patients. Plasma exosomal miRNAs have been reported to be involved in tumor progression, but their roles in BC remain unclear.

METHODS

We performed plasma exosomal miRNA sequencing on 45 individuals, including healthy controls and nonmetastatic and metastatic BC patients. We examined the correlation between miRNA expression in tumor tissues and plasma exosomes in BC patients by qRT‒PCR. The effects of exosomal miR-361-3p on BC cells were determined by CellTiter-Glo, migration and wound healing assays. The target genes of miR-361-3p and downstream pathways were explored by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA knockdown, rescue experiments, and western blotting. We utilized murine xenograft model to further assess the impact of plasma exosomal miR-361-3p on the malignant progression of BC.

RESULTS

We found that the expression level of plasma exosomal miR-361-3p gradually increased with malignant progression in BC patients, and the expression of miR-361-3p in plasma exosomes and BC tissues was positively correlated. Consistently, exosomal miR-361-3p enhanced the migration and proliferation of two BC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3. Furthermore, our data showed that miR-361-3p inhibited two novel target genes, ETV7 and BATF2, to activate the PAI-1/ERK pathway, leading to increased BC cell viability. Finally, the consistency of the in vivo experimental results supported that elevated plasma exosomal miR-361-3p promote the malignant progression of BC.

CONCLUSIONS

We found for the first time that plasma exosomal miR-361-3p was associated with malignant progression in BC patients. Mechanistically, exosomal miR-361-3p can enhance the migration and proliferation of BC cells by targeting the ETV7 and BATF2/PAI-1/ERK pathways. Our data suggest that plasma exosomal miR-361-3p has the potential to serve as a biomarker for predicting malignant progression in BC patients.

Key processes in tumor metastasis and therapeutic strategies with nanocarriers: a review

Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis occurs at all stages of tumor development, with unexplored changes occurring at the primary site and distant colonization sites. The growing understanding of the metastatic process of tumor cells has contributed to the emergence of better treatment options and strategies. This review summarizes a range of features related to tumor cell metastasis and nanobased drug delivery systems for inhibiting tumor metastasis. The mechanisms of tumor metastasis in the ideal order of metastatic progression were summarized. We focus on the prominent role of nanocarriers in the treatment of tumor metastasis, summarizing the latest applications of nanocarriers in combination with drugs to target important components and processes of tumor metastasis and providing ideas for more effective nanodrug delivery systems.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Secreted Exosomes Promote Gastric Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion via the IL-32/ESR1 Axis

Exosomes secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a critical part in cancer progression. This study aimed to explore the effects of CAF-exosomes on gastric cancer (GC) cell metastasis. AGS and HGC-27 cells were treated with exosomes and cell viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated using Cell-Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. Exosome-regulated mRNAs were explored using quantitative real-time PCR. The relationship between interleukin (IL)32 and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) was evaluated using co-immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The results of this study show that CAF-derived exosomes promote GC cell viability, migration, and invasion. Exosome treatment increased the levels of IL32, which interacted with ESR1 and negatively regulated ESR1 levels. Rescue experiments were conducted to demonstrate that CAF-exosomes promoted biological behaviors of GC cells by upregulating IL32 and downregulating ESR1 expression. In conclusion, CAF-derived exosomes promote GC cell viability, migration, and invasion by elevating the IL32/ESR1 axis, suggesting a novel strategy for metastatic GC treatment.

The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.

Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated microRNA-296-3p from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes ovarian cancer development through regulation of the PTEN/AKT and SOCS6/STAT3 pathways

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as important components of the tumor microenvironment, can regulate intercellular communication and tumor development by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the role of CAF-derived EVs in ovarian cancer has not been fully elucidated. Here, using an EV-microRNA sequencing analysis, we reveal specific overexpression of microRNA (miR)-296-3p in activated CAF-derived EVs, which can be transferred to tumor cells to regulate the malignant phenotypes of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-296-3p significantly promotes the proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo, while its inhibition has the opposite effects. Further mechanistic studies reveal that miR-296-3p promotes ovarian cancer progression by directly targeting PTEN and SOCS6 and activating AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways. Importantly, increased expression of miR-296-3p encapsulated in plasma EVs is closely correlated with tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in patients with ovarian cancer. Our results highlight the cancer-promoting role of CAF-derived EVs carrying miR-296-3p in ovarian cancer progression for the first time, and suggest that miR-296-3p encapsulated in CAF-derived EVs could be a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

Salvianolic acid B-loaded polydopamine-modified hollow mesoporous organic silica nanoparticles for treatment of breast cancer metastasis via suppressing cancer-associated fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE

Drug Delivery System was constructed using dopamine-coated organic-inorganic hybrid hollow mesoporous organic silica nanoparticles (HMON-PDA) as drug carriers and salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a model drug. Then, we further investigated whether it can inhibit lung metastasis of breast cancer by inhibiting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).

METHODS

The organic-inorganic hybrid hollow mesoporous organic silica nanoparticles (HMON) were prepared. The particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersion coefficient were characterized. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the effect of different feed ratios of HMON and SAB on drug loading rate. Then, SAB-loaded HMON were modified by polydopamine, which is called SAB@HMON-PDA. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay. The migration of 4T1 cells was investigated by wound healing experiment, and the invasion of 4T1 cells was detected by the transwell method. Finally, the mouse breast cancer lung metastasis models were used to explore whether SAB@HMON-PDA can inhibit lung metastasis of breast cancer by inhibiting CAFs.

RESULTS

The obtained nanoparticles have hollow spherical structure. The average particle sizes of HMON, SAB@HMON, and SAB@HMON-PDA were 143.5 ± 0.03, 138.3 ± 0.02, and 172.3 ± 0.18 nm, respectively. The zeta potentials were -44.33±0.15, -41.4 ± 1.30, and -24.13±0.47 mV, respectively. When the ratio of HMON to SAB was 2:1, the drug loading rate reached (18.37±0.04)%. In addition, the prepared SAB@HMON-PDA responded to release SAB under acidic and GSH conditions. The prepared SAB@HMON-PDA could inhibit the migration and invasion of 4T1 cells. The results showed that SAB@HMON-PDA and SAB could inhibit lung metastasis of breast cancer in mice, and SAB@HMON-PDA had a more significant inhibitory effect than SAB.

CONCLUSION

We successfully prepared SAB@HMON-PDA with the dual response of pH and GSH. SAB@HMON-PDA can inhibit the migration and invasion of 4T1 cells, and the effect is more significant than free SAB. This inhibitory effect may be related to the inhibition of CAFs. In vivo experiments demonstrated that SAB@HMON-PDA can inhibit lung metastasis of breast cancer by inhibiting CAFs, and its effect was more significant than that of free SAB.

Extracellular vesicles-associated miRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer: from tumor biology to clinical relevance

Breast cancer (BC), a heterogeneous group of diseases, is the most frequent type and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Tumor heterogeneity directly impacts cancer progression and treatment, as evidenced by the patients´ diverse prognosis and treatment responses across the distinct molecular subtypes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for 10-20% of all diagnosed BC cases, is an aggressive BC subtype with a challenging prognosis. Current treatment options include systemic chemotherapy and/or target therapies based on PARP and PD-L1 inhibitors for eligible patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in TNBC tumorigenesis. These molecules are present both intracellularly and released into biofluids, packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs). Emerging evidence indicates that EVs-associated miRNAs (EVs-miRNAs), transferred from parental to recipient cells, are key mediators of cell-to-cell communication. Considering their stability and abundance in several biofluids, these molecules may reflect the epigenomic composition of their tumors of origin and contribute to mediate tumorigenesis, similar to their intracellular counterparts. This review provides the current knowledge on EVs-miRNAs in the TNBC subtype, focusing on their role in regulating mRNA targets involved in tumor phenotypes and their clinical relevance as promising biomarkers in liquid biopsies.

Engineered Adoptive T-Cell Therapies for Breast Cancer: Current Progress, Challenges, and Potential

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, and novel treatment approaches are critically needed. This review presents an in-depth analysis of engineered adoptive T-cell therapies (E-ACTs), an innovative frontier in cancer immunotherapy, focusing on their application in breast cancer. We explore the evolving landscape of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies, highlighting their potential and challenges in targeting breast cancer. The review addresses key obstacles such as target antigen selection, the complex breast cancer tumor microenvironment, and the persistence of engineered T-cells. We discuss the advances in overcoming these barriers, including strategies to enhance T-cell efficacy. Finally, our comprehensive analysis of the current clinical trials in this area provides insights into the future possibilities and directions of E-ACTs in breast cancer treatment.

The role and application of vesicles in triple-negative breast cancer: Opportunities and challenges

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry DNA, RNA, protein, and other substances involved in intercellular crosstalk and can be used for the targeted delivery of drugs. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is rich in recurrent and metastatic disease and lacks therapeutic targets. Studies have proved the role of EVs in the different stages of the genesis and development of TNBC. Cancer cells actively secrete various biomolecules, which play a significant part establishing the tumor microenvironment via EVs. In this article, we describe the roles of EVs in the tumor immune microenvironment, metabolic microenvironment, and vascular remodeling, and summarize the application of EVs for objective delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs, immune antigens, and cancer vaccine adjuvants. EVs-based therapy may represent the next-generation tool for targeted drug delivery for the cure of a variety of diseases lacking effective drug treatment.

Extracellular vesicles in the breast cancer brain metastasis: physiological functions and clinical applications

Breast cancer, which exhibits an increasing incidence and high mortality rate among cancers, is predominantly attributed to metastatic malignancies. Brain metastasis, in particular, significantly contributes to the elevated mortality in breast cancer patients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small lipid bilayer vesicles secreted by various cells that contain biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. They deliver these bioactive molecules to recipient cells, thereby regulating signal transduction and protein expression levels. The relationship between breast cancer metastasis and EVs has been extensively investigated. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms by which EVs promote brain metastasis in breast cancer. Additionally, we discuss the potential of EV-associated molecules as therapeutic targets and their relevance as early diagnostic markers for breast cancer brain metastasis.

MiR-526b-3p enhances sensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells to radiotherapy via suppressing exosomal LAMP3-mediated autophagy

Lysosomal associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3) has been reported to be a tumour promoter in multiple cancer types by modulating tumour cell autophagy. However, the potential mechanism of LAMP3 in radio-resistance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown. Therefore, our current study aims to detect the impacts of LAMP3 on the resistance of HNSCC cells to radiotherapy and meanwhile explore its functional mechanism. Through RT-Qpcr examination, LAMP3 expression was identified to be expressed at a significantly high level in irradiation-resistant HNSCC cell lines compared with irradiation-sensitive HNSCC cell lines. Functional assays including CCK-8, colony formation and Transwell assays demonstrated that LAMP3 enhanced the radio-resistance through inducing autophagy to promote HNSCC cell growth. Furthermore, irradiation-resistant HNSCC cells could transfer exosomal LAMP3 to elevate LAMP3 expression in irradiation-sensitive HNSCC cells. Mechanistically, microRNA (miRNA) miR-526b-3p could inhibit LAMP3 expression so as to strengthen sensitivity of HNSCC cells to radiotherapy. In a word, exosomal LAMP3 expression promoted radioresistance of HNSCC cells via inducing autophagy, while this effect could be suppressed by miR-526b-3p in a targeted manner.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts secret extracellular vesicles to support cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

As the critical components of tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) support the development of various type of cancers, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), but the detailed molecular mechanisms by which cancer-associated fibroblasts interact with LSCC cells to facilitate its progression have not been fully uncovered. In the present study, by analyzing the contents from normal fibroblasts (NFs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) with Real-Time qPCR analysis, we found that the tumor-initiating LncRNA TUC338 was significantly upregulated in the cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived extracellular vesicles, compared to the normal fibroblasts-secreted extracellular vesicles. Further experiments confirmed that cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived extracellular vesicles promoted cell proliferation, colony formation abilities, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumorigenesis of LSCC cells via delivering LncRNA TUC338. The mechanical experiments verified that LncRNA TUC338 was stabilized by METTL3/YTHDF1-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications, and elevated LncRNA TUC338 sponged miR-8485 to upregulate chromobox homolog 2 (CBX2) in LSCC cells in a competing endogenous RNA mechanisms-dependent manner. Moreover, our rescue experiments evidenced that cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived LncRNA TUC338-containing extracellular vesicles-induced supportive effects in LSCC aggressiveness were all abrogated by overexpressing miR-8485 and silencing CBX2. Collectively, this study is the first to identify a novel m6A/LncRNA TUC338/miR-8485/CBX2 axis in CAFs-EVs-mediated LSCC development, and to show its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for LSCC.

Down-regulation of COL1A1 inhibits tumor-associated fibroblast activation and mediates matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer

We investigated the effects of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) on tumor-associated fibroblast activation and matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Cells were divided into the blank control, negative control, and siRNA-COL1A1 groups, or HKF control, HKF + exosomes (EXO), HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO, and HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture groups. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR detected gene expressions. COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, and TGF-β1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that compared with blank and negative control groups, COL1A1 expression and the secretion of exosomes by breast cancer cells were inhibited in the siRNA-COL1A1 group. Compared with the HKF control group, the COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were increased, while the E-cadherin and CAV-1 were decreased in the HKF + EXO, HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO, and HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture groups. Compared with HKF + EXO and HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO co-culture groups, the COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and FAP were decreased, and the E-cadherin and CAV-1 were increased in the HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture group. Collectively, COL1A1 down-regulation may inhibit exosome secretion possibly via inhibiting COL Ⅰ and upregulating CAV-1, thereby inhibiting tumor-associated fibroblast activation and matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment.

The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Triple-Positive Breast Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Resistance

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a highly heterogeneous systemic disease. It is ranked first globally in the incidence of new cancer cases and has emerged as the primary cause of cancer-related death among females. Among the distinct subtypes of BRCA, triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) has been associated with increased metastasis and invasiveness, exhibiting greater resistance to endocrine therapy involving trastuzumab. It is now understood that invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance associated with BRCA progression are not exclusively due to breast tumor cells but are from the intricate interplay between BRCA and its tumor microenvironment (TME). Accordingly, understanding the pathogenesis and evolution of the TPBC microenvironment demands a comprehensive approach. Moreover, addressing BRCA treatment necessitates a holistic consideration of the TME, bearing significant implications for identifying novel targets for anticancer interventions. This review expounds on the relationship between critical cellular components and factors in the TPBC microenvironment and the inception, advancement, and therapeutic resistance of breast cancer to provide perspectives on the latest research on TPBC.

Crosstalk and plasticity driving between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor microenvironment: significance of breast cancer metastasis

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cell population in breast tumors. A functionally diverse population of CAFs increases the dynamic complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The intertwined network of the TME facilitates the interaction between activated CAFs and breast cancer cells, which can lead to the proliferation and invasion of breast cells. Considering the special transmission function of CAFs, the aim of this review is to summarize and highlight the crosstalk between CAFs and breast cancer cells in the TME as well as the relationship between CAFs and extracellular matrix (ECM), soluble cytokines, and other stromal cells in the metastatic state. The crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor microenvironment also provides a plastic therapeutic target for breast cancer metastasis. In the course of the study, the inhibitory effects of different natural compounds on targeting CAFs and the advantages of different drug combinations were summarized. CAFs are also widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The cumulative research on this phenomenon supports the establishment of a targeted immune microenvironment as a possible breakthrough in the prevention of invasive metastasis of breast cancer.

The Emerging Roles of Exosomal miRNAs in Breast Cancer Progression and Potential Clinical Applications

Breast cancer remains the leading malignancy in terms of morbidity and mortality today. The tumor microenvironment of breast cancer includes multiple cell types, secreted proteins, and signaling components such as exosomes. Among these, exosomes have a lipid bilayer structure. Exosomes can reflect the biological traits of the parent cell and carry a variety of biologically active components, including proteins, lipids, small molecules, and non-coding RNAs, which include miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA. MiRNAs are a group of non-coding RNAs of approximately 20-23 nucleotides in length encoded by the genome, triggering silencing and functional repression of target genes. MiRNAs have been shown to play a significant role in the development of cancer owing to their role in the prognosis, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. MiRNAs in exosomes can serve as effective mediators of information transfer from parental cells to recipient cells and trigger changes in biological traits such as proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance. These changes can profoundly alter the progression of breast cancer. Therefore, here, we systematically summarize the association of exosomal miRNAs on breast cancer progression, diagnosis, and treatment in the hope of providing novel strategies and directions for subsequent breast cancer treatment.

Role of exosomes in metastasis and therapeutic resistance in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) has a high incidence and mortality rate and is emerging as one of the most common health problems globally. Owing to the lack of sensitive detection methods, uncontrollable rapid metastasis, and pervasive treatment resistance, EC is often diagnosed in advanced stages and is susceptible to local recurrence. Exosomes are important components of intercellular communication and the exosome-mediated crosstalk between the cancer and surrounding cells within the tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the metastasis, progression, and therapeutic resistance of EC. Considering the critical role of exosomes in tumor pathogenesis, this review focused on elucidating the impact of exosomes on EC metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Here, we summarized the relevant signaling pathways involved in these processes. In addition, we discussed the potential clinical applications of exosomes for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of EC.

Microdissection of cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration subtypes unveils the secreted SERPINE2 contributing to immunosuppressive microenvironment and immuotherapeutic resistance in gastric cancer: A large-scale study integrating bulk and single-cell transcriptome profiling

In the era of immunotherapy, the suboptimal response rate and the development of acquired resistance among the initial beneficiaries continue to present significant challenges across multiple malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). Considering that the interactions of tumor stroma, especially the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), with immune and tumor cells, play indispensable roles in tumor progression, tumor microenvironment remodeling and therapeutic responsiveness, in-depth exploration on the roles of CAFs and pivotal mediators of their functions may provide novel clues to increase the effectiveness of current immunotherapeutic drugs and further achieve synergistic antitumor response. Herein, through the consensus clustering of canonical biomarkers, three GC subclasses with different abundance of CAFs were virtually microdissected in four integrated bulk cohorts encompassing 2148 GC patients from 11 independent datasets. An extensive immunogenomic analysis revealed that tumors with high CAFs infiltration were characterized with unfavorable outcomes, aggressive phenotypes, decreased tumor immunogenicity, high risk of immune evasion and thus immunotherapeutic resistance. By leveraging large-scale single-cell transcriptomic profiling, a series of CAF-secreted proteins were identified, among which the SERPINE2 was confirmed to be restrictively enriched in stromal fibroblasts of GC tissues and contribute to promoting a protumor milieu and fostering an immunosuppressive microenvironment via bioinformatics computations and tissue microarray analysis. Moreover, pan-cancer investigations generalized the immunological roles of SERPINE2, especially in pan-gastrointestinal malignancies, with multiple real-world immunotherapy cohorts further confirming its implications on predicting immunotherapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the CAF-derived SERPINE2 is a promising immune-oncology target with therapeutic implications to further synergize the immunotherapeutic combinations.

Function and biomedical implications of exosomal microRNAs delivered by parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells in hepatocellular carcinoma

Small extracellular vesicles (exosomes) are important components of the tumor microenvironment. They are small membrane-bound vesicles derived from almost all cell types and play an important role in intercellular communication. Exosomes transmit biological molecules obtained from parent cells, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and are involved in cancer development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the most abundant contents in exosomes, are selectively packaged into exosomes to carry out their biological functions. Recent studies have revealed that exosome-delivered miRNAs play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, exosomes have great industrial prospects in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with HCC. This review summarized the composition and function of exosomal miRNAs of different cell origins in HCC and highlighted the association between exosomal miRNAs from stromal cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and the progression of HCC. Finally, we described the potential applicability of exosomal miRNAs derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of HCC.

Molecular interaction of metastasis suppressor genes and tumor microenvironment in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide where the process of metastasis is a major contributor to the mortality associated with this disease. Metastasis suppressor genes are a group of genes that play a crucial role in preventing or inhibiting the spread of cancer cells. They suppress the metastasis process by inhibiting colonization and by inducing dormancy. These genes function by regulating various cellular processes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as cell adhesion, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. Dysregulation of metastasis suppressor genes can lead to the acquisition of an invasive and metastatic phenotype and lead to poor prognostic outcomes. The components of the TME generally play a necessary in the metastasis progression of tumor cells. This review has identified and elaborated on the role of a few metastatic suppressors associated with the TME that have been shown to inhibit metastasis in BC by different mechanisms, such as blocking certain cell signaling molecules involved in cancer cell migration, invasion, enhancing immune surveillance of cancer cells, and promoting the formation of a protective extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding the interaction of metastatic suppressor genes and the components of TME has important implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to target the metastatic cascade. Targeting these genes or their downstream signaling pathways offers a promising approach to inhibiting the spread of cancer cells and improves patient outcomes.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Boost Tumorigenesis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via Exosome-Mediated Paracrine SNHG1

Despite the dominant roles of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have attached much attention in tumorigenesis, the CAFs-derived molecular determinants that regulate renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development remains elusive. Our previous study uncovered an oncogenic SNHG1 in the immune escape of RCC, whereas CAFs-derived exosomes could be a source accounting for increasing SNHG1 in RCC cells, this is still a mystery. The obtained CAFs and normal fibroblast (NFs) from fresh RCC and adjacent tissues were firstly identified using western blot and immunofluorescent staining. The enrichment of SNHG1 was validated by RT-qPCR. CAFs-derived exosomes were isolated from conditioned medium using ultracentrifugation method and ExoQuick-TC system. The internalization of exosomes, transfer of SNHG1, was measured by immunofluorescence. Regulation of conditioned medium or exosomal SNHG1 from CAFs on RCC biological functions was evaluated by CCK-8, EdU incorporation, colony formation, and transwell assays to assess the RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. SNHG1 was significantly upregulated in CAFs isolated from RCC stroma. Exosomes derived from CAFs transferred SNHG1 to RCC cells and resulted in an increased SNHG1 expression in RCC cells. The exosomes excreted by CAFs promoted RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas the promotion effect of CAFs-exosomes on RCC progression was attenuated by SNHG1 knockdown. The present study revealed a new mechanism of exosomal SNHG1 extracted from CAFs enhanced RCC progression and may provide a potential target for the treatment of RCC.

Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials

Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.

The role of non-coding RNAs in extracellular vesicles in breast cancer and their diagnostic implications

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common form of cancer worldwide, responsible for 25% of cancers in women. Whilst treatment is effective and often curative in early BC, metastatic disease is incurable, highlighting the need for early detection. Currently, early detection relies on invasive procedures, however recent studies have shown extracellular vesicles (EVs) obtained from liquid biopsies may have clinical utility. EVs transport diverse bioactive cargos throughout the body, play major roles in intercellular communication and, importantly, mirror their cell of origin. In cancer cells, EVs alter the behaviour of the tumour microenvironment (TME), forming a bridge of communication between cancerous and non-cancerous cells to alter all aspects of cancer progression, including the formation of a pre-metastatic niche. Through gene regulatory frameworks, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) modulate vital molecular and cellular processes and can act as both tumour suppressors and oncogenic drivers in various cancer types. EVs transport and protect ncRNAs, facilitating their use clinically as liquid biopsies for early BC detection. This review summarises current research surrounding ncRNAs and EVs within BC, focusing on their roles in cancer progression through bi-directional communication with the microenvironment and their diagnostic implications. The role of EV ncRNAs in breast cancer. A representation of the different EV ncRNAs involved in tumourigenic processes in breast cancer. Pro-tumourigenic ncRNAs displayed in green and ncRNAs which inhibit oncogenic processes are shown in red.

Emerging functions and clinical applications of exosomal microRNAs in diseases

Exosomes are an important group of extracellular vesicles that transfer several kinds of biomolecules and facilitate cell-cell communication. The content of exosomes, particularly the amounts of microRNA (miRNAs) inside these vesicles, demonstrates a disease-specific pattern reflecting pathogenic processes and may be employed as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. miRNAs may enter recipient cells through exosomes and generate a RISC complex that can cause degradation of the target mRNAs or block translation of their corresponding proteins. Therefore, exosome-derived miRNAs constitute an important mechanism of gene regulation in recipient cells. The miRNA content of exosomes can be used as an important tool in the detection of diverse disorders, particularly cancers. This research field has an important situation in cancer diagnosis. In addition, exosomal microRNAs offer a great deal of promise in the treatment of human disorders. However, there are still certain challenges to be resolved. The most important challenges are as follow: the detection of exosomal miRNAs should be standardized, exosomal miRNAs-associated studies should be conducted in large number of clinical samples, and experiment settings and detection criteria should be consistent across different labs. The goal of this article is to present an overview of the effects of exosome-derived microRNAs on a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal, pulmonary, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases, with a particular emphasis on malignancies.

Exosomes as a Nano-Carrier for Chemotherapeutics: A New Era of Oncology

Despite the considerable advancements in oncology, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Drug resistance mechanisms acquired by cancer cells and inefficient drug delivery limit the therapeutic efficacy of available chemotherapeutics drugs. However, studies have demonstrated that nano-drug carriers (NDCs) can overcome these limitations. In this sense, exosomes emerge as potential candidates for NDCs. This is because exosomes have better organotropism, homing capacity, cellular uptake, and cargo release ability than synthetic NDCs. In addition, exosomes can serve as NDCs for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, this review aimed to summarize the latest advances in cell-free therapy, describing how the exosomes can contribute to each step of the carcinogenesis process and discussing how these nanosized vesicles could be explored as nano-drug carriers for chemotherapeutics.

ANGPTL2+cancer-associated fibroblasts and SPP1+macrophages are metastasis accelerators of colorectal cancer

Background

Liver metastasis (LM) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in CRC patients, whereas the associated mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is urgently needed to deeply explore novel metastasis accelerators and therapeutic targets of LM-CRC.

Methods

The bulk RNA sequencing data and clinicopathological information of CRC patients were enrolled from the TCGA and GEO databases. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets of CRC were collected from and analyzed in the Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub (TISCH) database. The infiltration levels of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and macrophages in CRC tissues were estimated by multiple immune deconvolution algorithms. The prognostic values of genes were identified by the Kaplan-Meier curve with a log-rank test. GSEA analysis was carried out to annotate the significantly enriched gene sets. The biological functions of cells were experimentally verified.

Results

In the present study, hundreds of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected in LM-CRC compared to primary CRC, and these DEGs were significantly associated with the regulation of endopeptidase activity, blood coagulation, and metabolic processes. Then, SPP1, CAV1, ANGPTL2, and COLEC11 were identified as the characteristic DEGs of LM-CRC, and higher expression levels of SPP1 and ANGPTL2 were significantly associated with worse clinical outcomes of CRC patients. In addition, ANGPTL2 and SPP1 mainly distributed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC tissues. Subsequent scRNA-seq analysis demonstrated that ANGPTL2 and SPP1 were markedly enriched in the CAFs and macrophages of CRC tissues, respectively. Moreover, we identified the significantly enriched gene sets in LM-CRC, especially those in the SPP1+macrophages and ANGPTL2+CAFs, such as the HALLMARK_EPITHELIAL_MESENCHYMAL_TRANSITION and the HALLMARK_COMPLEMENT. Finally, our in vitro experiments proved that ANGPTL2+CAFs and SPP1+macrophages promote the metastasis of CRC cells.

Conclusion

Our study selected four characteristic genes of LM-CRC and identified ANGPTL2+CAFs and SPP1+macrophages subtypes as metastasis accelerators of CRC which provided a potential therapeutic target for LM-CRC.

The extracellular vesicles targeting tumor microenvironment: a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small particles secreted by numerous cell types and circulate in almost all body fluids, acting as crucial messengers for cell-to-cell communication. EVs involves multiple physiological and pathological processes, including tumor progression, via their multiple cargoes. Therefore, EVs have become attractive candidates for the treatment of tumor, including melanoma. Notably, due to the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in promoting tumor malignant phenotype, and the close intercellular communication in TME, EVs-based therapy by targeting TME has become a cutting-edge and prospective strategy for inhibiting melanoma progression and strengthening the anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the role of therapeutic EVs, which target the components of TME in melanoma, thereby providing insights into these promising clinical strategies for the treatment of melanoma patients.

Influence of Extracellular Vesicles on Lung Stromal Cells during Breast Cancer Metastasis

Breast cancer is a prominent cause of cancer diagnosis and death in women globally, with over 90% of deaths being attributed to complications that arise from metastasis. One of the common locations for breast cancer metastasis is the lung, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Curative treatments for metastatic breast cancer patients are not available and the molecular mechanisms that underlie lung metastasis are not fully understood. In order to better treat these patients, identifying events that occur both prior to and during metastatic spread to the lung is essential. Several studies have demonstrated that breast cancer-derived extracellular vesicles secreted from the primary breast tumor play a key role in establishing the lung pre-metastatic niche to support colonization of metastatic tumor cells. In this review, we summarize recent work supporting the influence of extracellular vesicles on stromal components of the lung to construct the pre-metastatic niche and support metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the potential clinical applications of utilizing extracellular vesicles for diagnosis and treatment. Together, this review highlights the dynamic nature of extracellular vesicles, their roles in breast cancer metastasis to the lung, and their value as potential biomarkers and therapeutics for cancer prevention.

Comprehensive prognostic and immunological analysis of Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 28 in pan-cancers and identification of its role in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines

BACKGROUND

Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 28 (USP28), as a member of the DUBs family, has been reported to regulate the occurrence and development of some tumors, but its oncogenic role in tumor immunity is still unknown.

METHODS

The comprehensive view of USP28 expression in tumor and normal samples was obtained from public databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). We analyzed the genomic alterations of USP28 in various cancers using the cBioPortal dataset. Besides, gene set enrichment analysis was used to analyze the associated cancer hallmarks with USP28 expression, and TIMER2.0 was taken to investigate the immune cell infiltrations related to the USP28 level.

RESULTS

USP28 is highly expressed in most tumors and has prognostic value across various cancer types. Moreover, a significant correlation exists between USP28 and immune regulators, clinical staging, checkpoint inhibitor response, MSI, TMB, CNV, MMR defects, and DNA methylation. Additionally, USP28 expression is strongly associated with the infiltration levels of neutrophils and NK cells in most tumor types. One of the most significant findings of our study was that USP28 could serve as a significant predictor of anti-CTLA4 therapy response in melanoma patients. Additionally, our molecular biology experiments validated that the knockdown of USP28 substantially reduced the proliferative and invasive abilities of the HCC cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that USP28 could potentially serve as a biomarker for cancer immunologic infiltration and poor prognosis, with potential applications in developing novel cancer treatment strategies.

Structure and function of the highly homologous deubiquitinases ubiquitin specific peptidase 25 and 28: Insights into their pathophysiological and therapeutic roles

Deubiquitination is the reverse process of ubiquitination, an important protein post-translational modification. Deubiquitination is assisted by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which catalyze the hydrolysis and removal of ubiquitin chains from targeted proteins and play an important role in regulating protein stability, cell signaling transduction, and programmed cell death. Ubiquitin-specific peptidases 25 and 28 (USP25 and USP28), important members of the USP subfamily of DUBs, are highly homologous, strictly regulated, and closely associated with various diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, the development of inhibitors targeting USP25 and USP28 for disease treatment has garnered extreme attention. Several non-selective and selective inhibitors have shown potential inhibitory effects. However, the specificity, potency, and action mechanism of these inhibitors remain to be further improved and clarified. Herein, we summarize the structure, regulation, emerging physiological roles, and target inhibition of USP25 and USP28 to provide a basis for the development of highly potent and specific inhibitors for the treatment of diseases, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer and so on.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived exosome-mediated transfer of miR-345-5p promotes the progression of colorectal cancer by targeting CDKN1A

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-induced death in the world. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) released exosomes that contributed to cancer progression. This research was carried out to study the influence of CRC-associated fibroblasts-derived exosomes on the phenotype of CRC cells and the underlying mechanism. CAFs-derived exosomes (CAFs-exo) and normal fibroblasts (NFs)-derived exosomes (NFs-exo) were recognized by transmission electronic microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot analysis. Cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry analysis, colony formation assay, Transwell, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry staining and xenografts model were carried out to proceed with function studies in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that CAFs-exo induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while NFs-exo did not influence the tumor biological properties of CRC cells. Using qRT-PCR, miR-345-5p was observed to be a notably up-regulated miRNA in CAFs-exo compared to NFs-exo. CAFs-exo could mediate the transfer of miR-345-5p to CRC cells, and downregulation of miR-345-5p in CAFs notably reversed the pro-tumoral effect of CAFs-exo on CRC cells. Based on online prediction database, CDKN1A was proved as a direct downstream target of miR-345-5p in CRC cells, which was lowly expressed and negatively associated with miR-345-5p in CRC tumors. Furthermore, miR-345-5p upregulation-mediated tumor biological behaviors were abrogated by exogenous CDKN1A. In CRC cells-beared tumor xenograft, CAFs-exo administration promoted tumor growth and decreased CDKN1A expression, whereas miR-345-5p inhibition reversed these effects. The present study revealed that by interacting with CDKN1A, CAF-derived exosomal miR-345-5p promotes CRC progression and metastasis.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts and its derived exosomes: a new perspective for reshaping the tumor microenvironment

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). They extensively communicate with the other cells. Exosome-packed bioactive molecules derived from CAFs can reshape the TME by interacting with other cells and the extracellular matrix, which adds a new perspective for their clinical application in tumor targeted therapy. An in-depth understanding of the biological characteristics of CAF-derived exosomes (CDEs) is critical for depicting the detailed landscape of the TME and developing tailored therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. In this review, we have summarized the functional roles of CAFs in the TME, particularly focusing on the extensive communication mediated by CDEs that contain biological molecules such as miRNAs, proteins, metabolites, and other components. In addition, we have also highlighted the prospects for diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on CDEs, which could guide the future development of exosome-targeted anti-tumor drugs.

Dynamic Role of Exosome microRNAs in Cancer Cell Signaling and Their Emerging Role as Noninvasive Biomarkers

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that originate from endosomes and are released by all cells irrespective of their origin or type. They play an important role in cell communication and can act in an autocrine, endocrine, or paracrine fashion. They are 40-150 nm in diameter and have a similar composition to the cell of origin. An exosome released by a particular cell is unique since it carries information about the state of the cell in pathological conditions such as cancer. miRNAs carried by cancer-derived exosomes play a multifaceted role by taking part in cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and immune evasion. Depending on the type of miRNA that it carries as its cargo, it can render cells chemo- or radiosensitive or resistant and can also act as a tumor suppressor. Since the composition of exosomes is affected by the cellular state, stress, and changes in the environment, they can be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Their unique ability to cross biological barriers makes them an excellent choice as vehicles for drug delivery. Because of their easy availability and stability, they can be used to replace cancer biopsies, which are invasive and expensive. Exosomes can also be used to follow the progression of diseases and monitor treatment strategies. A better understanding of the roles and functions of exosomal miRNA can be used to develop noninvasive, innovative, and novel treatments for cancer.