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Gordillo-Sampedro S, Antounians L, Wei W, Mufteev M, Lendemeijer B, Kushner SA, de Vrij FMS, Zani A, Ellis J. iPSC-derived healthy human astrocytes selectively load miRNAs targeting neuronal genes into extracellular vesicles. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 129:103933. [PMID: 38663691 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are in constant communication with neurons during the establishment and maturation of functional networks in the developing brain. Astrocytes release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNA (miRNA) cargo that regulates transcript stability in recipient cells. Astrocyte released factors are thought to be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders. Healthy astrocytes partially rescue Rett Syndrome (RTT) neuron function. EVs isolated from stem cell progeny also correct aspects of RTT. EVs cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their cargo is found in peripheral blood which may allow non-invasive detection of EV cargo as biomarkers produced by healthy astrocytes. Here we characterize miRNA cargo and sequence motifs in healthy human astrocyte derived EVs (ADEVs). First, human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) were differentiated into Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) and subsequently into astrocytes using a rapid differentiation protocol. iPSC derived astrocytes expressed specific markers, displayed intracellular calcium transients and secreted ADEVs. miRNAs were identified by RNA-Seq on astrocytes and ADEVs and target gene pathway analysis detected brain and immune related terms. The miRNA profile was consistent with astrocyte identity, and included approximately 80 miRNAs found in astrocytes that were relatively depleted in ADEVs suggestive of passive loading. About 120 miRNAs were relatively enriched in ADEVs and motif analysis discovered binding sites for RNA binding proteins FUS, SRSF7 and CELF5. miR-483-5p was the most significantly enriched in ADEVs. This miRNA regulates MECP2 expression in neurons and has been found differentially expressed in blood samples from RTT patients. Our results identify potential miRNA biomarkers selectively sorted into ADEVs and implicate RNA binding protein sequence dependent mechanisms for miRNA cargo loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gordillo-Sampedro
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lina Antounians
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Wei
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marat Mufteev
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bas Lendemeijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Femke M S de Vrij
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Center of Expertise for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENCORE), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Augusto Zani
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Kaurani L. Clinical Insights into MicroRNAs in Depression: Bridging Molecular Discoveries and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2866. [PMID: 38474112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. The discovery of biomarkers for diagnosis or prediction of treatment responses and as therapeutic agents is a current priority. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of short RNA molecules in the etiology of depression. The most extensively researched of these are microRNAs, a major component of cellular gene regulation and function. MicroRNAs function in a temporal and tissue-specific manner to regulate and modify the post-transcriptional expression of target mRNAs. They can also be shuttled as cargo of extracellular vesicles between the brain and the blood, thus informing about relevant mechanisms in the CNS through the periphery. In fact, studies have already shown that microRNAs identified peripherally are dysregulated in the pathological phenotypes seen in depression. Our article aims to review the existing evidence on microRNA dysregulation in depression and to summarize and evaluate the growing body of evidence for the use of microRNAs as a target for diagnostics and RNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Kaurani
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Qiu Y, Lu G, Li N, Hu Y, Tan H, Jiang C. Exosome-mediated communication between gastric cancer cells and macrophages: implications for tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1327281. [PMID: 38455041 PMCID: PMC10917936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1327281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant neoplasm originating from the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa. The pathogenesis of GC is intricately linked to the tumor microenvironment within which the cancer cells reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) primarily differentiate from peripheral blood monocytes and can be broadly categorized into M1 and M2 subtypes. M2-type TAMs have been shown to promote tumor growth, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, they can actively suppress acquired immunity, leading to a poorer prognosis and reduced tolerance to chemotherapy. Exosomes, which contain a myriad of biologically active molecules including lipids, proteins, mRNA, and noncoding RNAs, have emerged as key mediators of communication between tumor cells and TAMs. The exchange of these molecules via exosomes can markedly influence the tumor microenvironment and consequently impact tumor progression. Recent studies have elucidated a correlation between TAMs and various clinicopathological parameters of GC, such as tumor size, differentiation, infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis, and TNM staging, highlighting the pivotal role of TAMs in GC development and metastasis. In this review, we aim to comprehensively examine the bidirectional communication between GC cells and TAMs, the implications of alterations in the tumor microenvironment on immune escape, invasion, and metastasis in GC, targeted therapeutic approaches for GC, and the efficacy of potential GC drug resistance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qiu
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guimei Lu
- Department of Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Na Li
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanyan Hu
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Thoracic Esophageal Radiotherapy Department, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chengyao Jiang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Ren J, Zhang Y, Pan H, Shi R, Zhu H, Yang R, Zhang L, Chen B, Zhu T, Lu X, Huang C. Mobilization of the innate immune response by a specific immunostimulant β-glucan confers resistance to chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior by preventing neuroinflammatory responses. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111405. [PMID: 38118316 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Pre-stimulation of the innate immune response is an effective strategy to prevent depression-like phenotypes in animals. However, the use of conventional immunostimulants may cause adverse effects. Therefore, the search for agents that stimulate the innate immune response but do not induce a pro-inflammatory response could be a new research direction for the prevention of depression. β-glucan is a polysaccharide from Saccharomyces cerevisiae with unique immunomodulatory activity in microglia without eliciting a pro-inflammatory response that could lead to tissue damage. This suggests that β-glucan may be a suitable drug that can be used to prevent depression-like phenotypes. Our results showed that a single injection of β-glucan 1 day before stress exposure at a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg, but notat a dose of 5 mg/kg, prevented depression-like behavior in mice treated with chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). This effect of β-glucan disappeared when the time interval between β-glucan and stress was extended from 1 day or 5 days to 10 days, which was rescued by a second injection 10 days after the first injection or by a repeated injection (4×, once daily) 10 days before stress exposure. A single β-glucan injection (20 mg/kg) 1 day before stress exposure prevented the CUS-induced increase in brain pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibition of the innate immune response by minocycline (40 mg/kg) abolished the preventive effect of β-glucan on CUS-induced depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammatory responses. These results suggest that β-glucan may prevent chronic stress-induced depression-like phenotypes and neuroinflammatory responses by stimulating the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hainan Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruiting Shi
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, City University of Macau, Av. Parde Tomas Pereira, Taipa 999078, Macau
| | - Haojie Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongrong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Nantong University, #399 Shiji Dadao, Nantong 226007, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingran Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Al-Jipouri A, Eritja À, Bozic M. Unraveling the Multifaceted Roles of Extracellular Vesicles: Insights into Biology, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Applications for Drug Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:485. [PMID: 38203656 PMCID: PMC10779093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released from various cell types that have emerged as powerful new therapeutic option for a variety of diseases. EVs are involved in the transmission of biological signals between cells and in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, highlighting them as potential novel targets/platforms for therapeutics intervention and/or delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new aspects of EVs' biogenesis, biodistribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as safety/compatibility of both unmodified and engineered EVs upon administration in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and delivery systems. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of essential physiological and pathological roles of EVs in different organs and organ systems. We provide an overview regarding application of EVs as therapeutic targets, therapeutics, and drug delivery platforms. We also explore various approaches implemented over the years to improve the dosage of specific EV products for different administration routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Al-Jipouri
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Àuria Eritja
- Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25196 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Milica Bozic
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany;
- Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25196 Lleida, Spain;
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