Tumor-derived exosomal lincRNA ROR promotes angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Engineered exosomes in service of tumor immunotherapy: From optimizing tumor-derived exosomes to delivering CRISPR/Cas9 system

Exosomes can be modified and designed for various therapeutic goals because of their unique physical and chemical characteristics. Researchers have identified tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) as significant players in cancer by influencing tumor growth, immune response evasion, angiogeneis, and drug resistance. TEXs promote the production of specific proteins important for cancer progression. Due to their easy accessibility, TEXs are being modified through genetic, drug delivery, membrane, immune system, and chemical alterations to be repurposed as vehicles for delivering drugs to improve cancer treatment outcomes. In the complex in vivo environment, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system encounters challenges from degradation, neutralization, and immune responses, emphasizing the need for strategic distribution strategies for effective genome editing. Engineered exosomes present a promising avenue for delivering CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo. In this review, we will explore different techniques for enhancing TEXs using various engineering strategies. Additionally, we will discuss how these exosomes can be incorporated into advanced genetic engineering systems like CRISPR/Cas9 for possible therapeutic uses.

Continued attention: The role of exosomal long non-coding RNAs in tumors over the past three years

This review summarizes the research on exosomal lncRNAs in tumors over the past three years. It highlights the significant roles of exosomal lncRNAs in modulating various cellular processes within the tumor microenvironment. Exosomal lncRNAs have been shown to influence the behavior of tumor cells, promoting proliferation, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, glycolysis, and contributing to tumor growth and metabolism. Moreover, exosomal lncRNAs have been found to interact with immune cells, such as modulating the functions of macrophages and influencing the overall immune response against tumors. Fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment are also affected by exosomal lncRNAs, which can alter the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal composition. Notably, these exosomal lncRNAs hold promise in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved clinical outcomes.

Prostate cancer cell-derived exosomes ZNF667-AS1 reduces TGFBR1 mRNA stability to inhibit Treg expansion and DTX resistance by binding to U2AF1

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel (DTX) resistance attenuates anti-tumor effects of DTX on prostate cancer (mCRPC) and drug resistance was related to Treg expansion in tumors. ZNF667-AS1 played a suppressing role in various tumors and tumor-derived exosomes carry lncRNAs to participate in tumor progression. Here, the effects of ZNF667-AS1 on malignant characteristics and DTX resistance in PC and the effect and its underlying molecular mechanism of tumor-derived exosomes carrying ZNF667-AS1 on Treg expansion were investigated.

METHODS

The identification of exosomes were determined using TEM, NTA and western blot. The abundance of genes and proteins were evaluated using IHC, RT-qPCR, western blot and FISH. Malignant phenotypes of PC cells were evaluated by means of Edu, scratch test, transwell, CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs was detected using flow cytometry. The location of ZNF667-AS1 was detected using nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation. The co-location of ZNF667-AS1 and U2AF1 protein was detected using IF-FISH assay. The interactions among ZNF667-AS1, TGFBR1 and U2AF1 were verified using RNA pull-down, RIP and dual luciferase activity.

RESULTS

ZNF667-AS1 expression in PC samples was lowered, which was negatively relative to poor prognosis and DTX resistance. ZNF667-AS1 overexpression inhibited malignant phenotypes of PC cells, tumor growth and DTX resistance. Besides, DTX resistant cell-derived exosomes expressed lower ZNF667-AS1 expression. Exosomes carrying exogenously high ZNF667-AS1 expression derived PC cells or serum of mice suppressed Treg expansion. On the mechanism, ZNF667-AS1 interacted with U2AF1 to destabilize TGFBR1 mRNA and reduce TGFBR1 expression in CD4+T cells.

CONCLUSION

ZNF667-AS1 suppressed cell growth of PC cells, tumor growth of mice and DTX resistance to PC cells and exogenously high ZNF667-AS1 expression in tumor-derived exosomes destabilized TGFBR1 mRNA and reduce TGFBR1 expression through interacting with U2AF1, thus resulting in attenuated Treg expansion, which was related to DTX resistance.

Angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: insights, imaging, and therapeutic strategies

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly prevalent head and neck malignancy in southern China frequently diagnosed at advanced stages owing to subtle early symptoms and associated metastasis. Angiogenesis emerges as a pivotal factor in NPC progression, with numerous angiogenesis-related factors showing aberrant expression and contributing to increased neovascularization within NPC tumors. These abnormal vessels not only nourish tumor growth but also facilitate metastasis, culminating in unfavorable patient outcomes. Multiple studies have demonstrated the applicability of various imaging techniques for assessing angiogenesis in NPC tumors, thus serving as a foundation for personalized treatment strategies and prognostic assessments. Anti-angiogenic therapies have exhibited significant potential for inhibiting NPC angiogenesis and exerting anti-tumor effects. To enhance efficacy, anti-angiogenic drugs are frequently combined with other treatment modalities to synergistically enhance anti-tumor effects while mitigating the side effects associated with single-agent therapies, consequently improving patient prognosis. Identifying the potential mechanisms and key targets underlying NPC angiogenesis and exploring more effective detection and treatment approaches holds promise for shaping the future of NPC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, thereby offering new avenues and perspectives for research and clinical practice.

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

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

Unfolding the Complexity of Exosome-Cellular Interactions on Tumour Immunity and Their Clinical Prospects in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy situated in the posterolateral nasopharynx. NPC poses grave concerns in Southeast Asia due to its late diagnosis. Together with resistance to standard treatment combining chemo- and radiotherapy, NPC presents high metastatic rates and common recurrence. Despite advancements in immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and cytotoxic-T-lymphocytes (CTLs)-based cellular therapy, the exhaustive T cell profile and other signs of immunosuppression within the NPC tumour microenvironment (TME) remain as concerns to immunotherapy response. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles of 30-150 nm in diameter, are increasingly studied and linked to tumourigenesis in oncology. These bilipid-membrane-bound vesicles are packaged with a variety of signalling molecules, mediating cell-cell communications. Within the TME, exosomes can originate from tumour, immune, or stromal cells. Although there are studies on tumour-derived exosomes (TEX) in NPC and their effects on tumour processes like angiogenesis, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, there is a lack of research on their involvement in immune evasion. In this review, we aim to enhance the comprehension of how NPC TEX contribute to cellular immunosuppression. Furthermore, considering the detectability of TEX in bodily fluids, we will also discuss the potential development of TEX-related biomarkers for liquid biopsy in NPC as this could facilitate early diagnosis and prognostication of the disease.

Functional Relevance of Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Long Non-Coding and Circular RNAs in Cancer Angiogenesis

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are defined as subcellular structures limited by a bilayer lipid membrane that function as important intercellular communication by transporting active biomolecules, such as proteins, amino acids, metabolites, and nucleic acids, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These cargos can effectively be delivered to target cells and induce a highly variable response. LncRNAs are functional RNAs composed of at least 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins. Nowadays, lncRNAs and circRNAs are known to play crucial roles in many biological processes, including a plethora of diseases including cancer. Growing evidence shows an active presence of lnc- and circRNAs in EVs, generating downstream responses that ultimately affect cancer progression by many mechanisms, including angiogenesis. Moreover, many studies have revealed that some tumor cells promote angiogenesis by secreting EVs, which endothelial cells can take up to induce new vessel formation. In this review, we aim to summarize the bioactive roles of EVs with lnc- and circRNAs as cargo and their effect on cancer angiogenesis. Also, we discuss future clinical strategies for cancer treatment based on current knowledge of circ- and lncRNA-EVs.

Unveiling the functional paradigm of exosome-derived long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer: based on a narrative review and systematic review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The intricate mechanisms underlying intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment remain largely elusive. Recently, attention has shifted towards exploring the intercellular signaling mediated by exosomal long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within this context. This comprehensive systematic review aims to elucidate the functional paradigm of exosome-derived lncRNAs in cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The review provides a comprehensive narrative of lncRNA definition, characteristics, as well as the formation, sorting, and uptake processes of exosome-derived lncRNAs. Additionally, it describes comprehensive technology for exosome research and nucleic acid drug loading. This review further systematically examines the cellular origins, functional roles, and underlying mechanisms of exosome-derived lncRNAs in recipient cells within the cancer setting.

RESULTS

The functional paradigm of exosome-derived lncRNAs in cancer mainly depends on the source cells and sorting mechanism of exosomal lncRNAs, the recipient cells and uptake mechanisms of exosomal lncRNAs, and the specific molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in recipient cells. The source cells of exosomal lncRNAs mainly involved in the current review included tumor cells, cancer stem cells, normal cells, macrophages, and cancer-associated fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

This synthesis of knowledge offers valuable insights for accurately identifying exosomal lncRNAs with potential as tumor biomarkers. Moreover, it aids in the selection of appropriate targeting strategies and preclinical models, thereby facilitating the clinical translation of exosomal lncRNAs as promising therapeutic targets against cancer. Through a comprehensive understanding of the functional role of exosome-derived lncRNAs in cancer, this review paves the way for advancements in personalized medicine and improved treatment outcomes.

Functional Relevance of the Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNA Regulator of Reprogramming (Linc-ROR) in Cancer Proliferation, Metastasis, and Drug Resistance

Cancer is responsible for more than 10 million deaths every year. Metastasis and drug resistance lead to a poor survival rate and are a major therapeutic challenge. Substantial evidence demonstrates that an increasing number of long non-coding RNAs are dysregulated in cancer, including the long intergenic non-coding RNA, regulator of reprogramming (linc-ROR), which mostly exerts its role as an onco-lncRNA acting as a competing endogenous RNA that sequesters micro RNAs. Although the properties of linc-ROR in relation to some cancers have been reviewed in the past, active research appends evidence constantly to a better comprehension of the role of linc-ROR in different stages of cancer. Moreover, the molecular details and some recent papers have been omitted or partially reported, thus the importance of this review aimed to contribute to the up-to-date understanding of linc-ROR and its implication in cancer tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. As the involvement of linc-ROR in cancer is elucidated, an improvement in diagnostic and prognostic tools could promote and advance in targeted and specific therapies in precision oncology.