c-Myc shuttled by tumour-derived extracellular vesicles promotes lung bronchial cell proliferation through miR-19b and miR-92a

In-depth analysis of the interplay between oncogenic mutations and NK cell-mediated cancer surveillance in solid tumors

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in antitumoral and antiviral responses. Yet, cancer cells can alter themselves or the microenvironment through the secretion of cytokines or other factors, hindering NK cell activation and promoting a less cytotoxic phenotype. These resistance mechanisms, often referred to as the "hallmarks of cancer" are significantly influenced by the activation of oncogenes, impacting most, if not all, of the described hallmarks. Along with oncogenes, other types of genes, the tumor suppressor genes are frequently mutated or modified during cancer. Traditionally, these genes have been associated with uncontrollable tumor growth and apoptosis resistance. Recent evidence suggests oncogenic mutations extend beyond modulating cell death/proliferation programs, influencing cancer immunosurveillance. While T cells have been more studied, the results obtained highlight NK cells as emerging key protagonists for enhancing tumor cell elimination by modulating oncogenic activity. A few recent studies highlight the crucial role of oncogenic mutations in NK cell-mediated cancer recognition, impacting angiogenesis, stress ligands, and signaling balance within the tumor microenvironment. This review will critically examine recent discoveries correlating oncogenic mutations to NK cell-mediated cancer immunosurveillance, a relatively underexplored area, particularly in the era dominated by immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells. Building on these insights, we will explore opportunities to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies, which are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives for treating low-antigenic tumors, offering significant advantages in terms of safety and manufacturing suitability.

Revisiting the advances and challenges in the clinical applications of extracellular vesicles in cancer

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been the subject of an exponentially growing number of studies covering their biogenesis mechanisms, isolation and analysis techniques, physiological and pathological roles, and clinical applications, such as biomarker and therapeutic uses. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of EVs both challenges our understanding of them and presents new opportunities for their potential application. Recently, the EV field experienced a wide range of advances. However, the challenges also remain huge. This review focuses on the recent progress and difficulties encountered in the practical use of EVs in clinical settings. In addition, we also explored the concept of EV heterogeneity to acquire a more thorough understanding of EVs and their involvement in cancer, specifically focusing on the fundamental nature of EVs.

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

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

Abhd2, a Candidate Gene Regulating Airway Remodeling in COPD via TGF-β

Purpose

The typical characteristic of COPD is airway remodeling, affected by environmental and genetic factors. However, genetic studies on COPD have been limited. Currently, the Abhd2 gene is found to play a critical role in maintaining alveolar architecture and stability. The research aims to investigate the predictive value of Abhd2 for airway remodeling in COPD and its effect on TGF-β regulation.

Methods

In humans, Abhd2 protein was obtained from peripheral blood monocytes. Peripheral blood TGF-β, pulmonary surfactant proteins (SPs), metalloproteinases, inflammatory indicators (WBC, NEU, NLR, EOS, CRP, PCT, D-Dimer), chest CT (airway diameter and airway wall thickness), pulmonary function, and blood gas analysis were used to assess airway remodeling. In animals, Abhd2 deficient mice (Abhd2Gt/Gt) using gene trapping and C57BL6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with CSE to construct COPD models. HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the pathological changes of airway in mice, and RT-PCR, WB, ELISA and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of secreted proteins and EMT markers.

Results

COPD patients with worse pulmonary function and higher airway remodeling-related inflammatory factors had lower Abhd2 protein expression. Moreover, indicators followed the same trend for COPD patients grouped by prognosis (Group A vs Group B). Serum TGF-β was negatively correlated with Abhd2 protein expression, FEV1/FVC, FEV1, and FEV1% PRED. In mice, Abhd2 depletion promoted deposition of TGF-β, leading to more pronounced emphysema, airway thickening, increased alveolar macrophage infiltration, decreased AECII number and SPs, and EMT phenomenon.

Conclusion

Downregulation of Abhd2 can promote airway remodeling in COPD by modulating repair after injury and EMT via TGF-β. This study suggests that Abhd2 may serve as a biomarker for assessing airway remodeling and guiding prognosis in COPD.

Biomimetic composite hydrogel promotes new bone formation in rat bone defects through regulation of miR-19b-3p/WWP1 axis by loaded extracellular vesicles

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which biomimetic composite hydrogels loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived microRNA-19b-3p/WWP1 axis through extracellular vesicles (EVs) affect the new bone formation in rat bone defects.

METHODS

First, synthesize the bionic composite hydrogel Gel-OCS/MBGN. Characterize it through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FTIR. Then, conduct performance tests such as rheology, dynamic mechanical analysis, in vitro mineralization, and degradation. Rat BMSCs were selected for in vitro cell experiments, and EVs derived from BMSCs were obtained by differential centrifugation. The EVs were loaded onto Gel-OCS/MBGN to obtain Gel-OCS/MBGN@EVs hydrogel. Cell viability and proliferation were detected by live/dead cell staining and CCK-8 assay, respectively. ALP and ARS staining was used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Differential gene expression analysis of osteogenic differentiation was performed using high-throughput sequencing. TargetScan database predicted the binding site between miR-19b-3p and WWP1, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting binding site. A rat bone defect model was established, and new bone formation was evaluated by Micro-CT, H&E staining, and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression levels of osteogenic-related factors in rat BMSCs. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of genes and proteins in tissues and cells.

RESULT

Gel-OCS/MBGN was successfully constructed and loaded with EVs, resulting in Gel-OCS/MBGN@EVs. The in vitro drug release experiment results show that Gel-OCS/MBGN could sustainably release EVs. Further experiments have shown that Gel-OCS/MBGN@EVs could significantly promote the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts. Experiments have shown that WWP1 is a key factor in osteogenic differentiation and is regulated by miR-19b-3p. EVs promote osteogenic differentiation by suppressing WWP1 expression through the transmission of miR-19b-3p. In vivo animal experiments have demonstrated that Gel-OCS/MBGN@EVs significantly promote bone repair in rats with bone defects by regulating the miR-19b-3p/WWP1 signaling axis.

CONCLUSION

Functional Gel-OCS/MBGN@EVs were obtained by constructing Gel-OCS/MBGN and loading EVs onto it. EVs could deliver miR-19b-3p to BMSCs, inhibit the expression of WWP1, and promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, ultimately promoting bone regeneration in rats with bone defects.

The transcription factor EBF1 non-cell-autonomously regulates cardiac growth and differentiation

Reciprocal interactions between non-myocytes and cardiomyocytes regulate cardiac growth and differentiation. Here, we report that the transcription factor Ebf1 is highly expressed in non-myocytes and potently regulates heart development. Ebf1-deficient hearts display myocardial hypercellularity and reduced cardiomyocyte size, ventricular conduction system hypoplasia, and conduction system disease. Growth abnormalities in Ebf1 knockout hearts are observed as early as embryonic day 13.5. Transcriptional profiling of Ebf1-deficient embryonic cardiac non-myocytes demonstrates dysregulation of Polycomb repressive complex 2 targets, and ATAC-Seq reveals altered chromatin accessibility near many of these same genes. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in cardiomyocytes isolated from E13.5 hearts of wild-type and mutant mice reveals significant enrichment of MYC targets and, consistent with this finding, we observe increased abundance of MYC in mutant hearts. EBF1-deficient non-myocytes, but not wild-type non-myocytes, are sufficient to induce excessive accumulation of MYC in co-cultured wild-type cardiomyocytes. Finally, we demonstrate that BMP signaling induces Ebf1 expression in embryonic heart cultures and controls a gene program enriched in EBF1 targets. These data reveal a previously unreported non-cell-autonomous pathway controlling cardiac growth and differentiation.

Extracellular vesicles from subjects with COPD modulate cancer initiating cells phenotype through HIF-1α shuttling

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor for lung cancer development. COPD induces activation of hypoxia-induced signaling, causing remodeling of surrounding microenvironmental cells also modulating the release and cargo of their extracellular vesicles (EVs). We aimed to evaluate the potential role of circulating EVs from COPD subjects in lung cancer onset. Plasma-EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation from heavy smoker volunteers with (COPD-EVs) or without (heavy smoker-EVs, HS-EV) COPD and characterized following MISEV guidelines. Immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (CDK4, hTERT-HBEC3-KT), genetically modified with different oncogenic alterations commonly found in lung cancer (sh-p53, KRASV12), were used to test plasma-EVs pro-tumorigenic activity in vitro. COPD-EVs mainly derived from immune and endothelial cells. COPD-EVs selectively increased the subset of CD133+CXCR4+ metastasis initiating cells (MICs) in HBEC-sh-p53-KRASV12high cells and stimulated 3D growth, migration/invasion, and acquisition of mesenchymal traits. These effects were not observed in HBEC cells bearing single oncogenic mutation (sh-p53 or KRASV12). Mechanistically, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) transferred from COPD-EVs triggers CXCR4 pathway activation that in turn mediates MICs expansion and acquisition of pro-tumorigenic effects. Indeed, HIF-1α inhibition or CXCR4 silencing prevented the acquisition of malignant traits induced by COPD-EVs alone. Hypoxia recapitulates the effects observed with COPD-EVs in HBEC-sh-p53-KRASV12high cells. Notably, higher levels of HIF-1α were observed in EVs from COPD subjects who subsequently developed cancer compared to those who remained cancer-free. Our findings support a role of COPD-EVs to promote the expansion of MICs in premalignant epithelial cells through HIF-1α-CXCR4 axis activation thereby potentially sustaining lung cancer progression.

The role of extracellular vesicles in non-small-cell lung cancer, the unknowns, and how new approach methodologies can support new knowledge generation in the field

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized particles released from most human cell types that contain a variety of cargos responsible for mediating cell-to-cell and organ-to-organ communications. Current knowledge demonstrates that EVs also play critical roles in many aspects of the progression of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Their roles range from increasing proliferative signalling to inhibiting apoptosis, promoting cancer metastasis, and modulating the tumour microenvironment to support cancer development. However, due to the limited availability of patient samples, intrinsic inter-species differences between human and animal EV biology, and the complex nature of EV interactions in vivo, where multiple cell types are present and several events occur simultaneously, the use of conventional preclinical and clinical models has significantly hindered reaching conclusive results. This review discusses the biological roles that EVs are currently known to play in NSCLC and identifies specific challenges in advancing today's knowledge. It also describes the NSCLC models that have been used to define currently-known EV functions, the limitations associated with their use in this field, and how New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), such as microfluidic platforms, organoids, and spheroids, can be used to overcome these limitations, effectively supporting future exciting discoveries in the NSCLC field and the potential clinical exploitation of EVs.

Hallmarks of transcriptional intratumour heterogeneity across a thousand tumours

Each tumour contains diverse cellular states that underlie intratumour heterogeneity (ITH), a central challenge of cancer therapeutics1. Dozens of recent studies have begun to describe ITH by single-cell RNA sequencing, but each study typically profiled only a small number of tumours and provided a narrow view of transcriptional ITH2. Here we curate, annotate and integrate the data from 77 different studies to reveal the patterns of transcriptional ITH across 1,163 tumour samples covering 24 tumour types. Among the malignant cells, we identify 41 consensus meta-programs, each consisting of dozens of genes that are coordinately upregulated in subpopulations of cells within many tumours. The meta-programs cover diverse cellular processes including both generic (for example, cell cycle and stress) and lineage-specific patterns that we map into 11 hallmarks of transcriptional ITH. Most meta-programs of carcinoma cells are similar to those identified in non-malignant epithelial cells, suggesting that a large fraction of malignant ITH programs are variable even before oncogenesis, reflecting the biology of their cell of origin. We further extended the meta-program analysis to six common non-malignant cell types and utilize these to map cell-cell interactions within the tumour microenvironment. In summary, we have assembled a comprehensive pan-cancer single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset, which is available through the Curated Cancer Cell Atlas website, and leveraged this dataset to carry out a systematic characterization of transcriptional ITH.

Metastatic Dissemination: Role of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Use as Clinical Biomarkers

Cancer is a major cause of mortality in humans; often, rather than the primary tumor, it is the presence of metastases that are the cause of death. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small structures released by both normal and cancer cells; regarding the latter, they have been demonstrated to modulate almost all cancer-related processes, such as invasion, angiogenesis induction, drug resistance, and immune evasion. In the last years, it has become clear how EVs are widely involved in metastatic dissemination as well as in pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation. Indeed, in order to achieve a successful metastatic process, i.e., penetration by cancer cells into distant tissues, the shaping of a favorable environment into those distant tissue, i.e., PMN formation, is mandatory. This process consists of an alteration that takes place in a distant organ and paves the way for the engraftment and growth of circulating tumor cells derived from the tumor primary site. This review focuses on the role of EVs in pre-metastatic niche formation and metastatic dissemination, also reporting the last studies suggesting the EVs role as biomarkers of metastatic diseases, possibly in a liquid biopsy approach.

STIL Promotes Tumorigenesis of Bladder Cancer by Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Targeting C-Myc

SCL/TAL1 interrupting locus (STIL) regulates centriole replication and causes chromosome instability, which is closely related to malignant tumors. The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of STIL in bladder cancer (BC) tumorigenesis for the first time. The public database indicated that STIL is highly expressed and correlated with the cell cycle in BC. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that STIL expression is significantly elevated in BC tissues compared with paracancer tissues. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology was used to induce BC cells to express STIL-specific sgRNA, revealing a significantly delayed growth rate in STIL knockout BC cells. Moreover, cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase was triggered by decreasing STIL, which led to delayed BC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, STIL knockout inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and down-regulated the expression of c-myc. Furthermore, SC79 (AKT activating agent) partially reversed the inhibitory effects of STIL knockout on the proliferation and migration of BC cells. In conclusion, STIL enhanced the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, resulting in increased expression of c-myc, ultimately promoting BC occurrence and progression. These results indicate that STIL might be a potential target for BC patients.

The Role of the miR-17-92 Cluster in Autophagy and Atherosclerosis Supports Its Link to Lysosomal Storage Diseases

Establishing the role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), especially microRNAs (miRNAs), in the regulation of cell function constitutes a current research challenge. Two to six miRNAs can act in clusters; particularly, the miR-17-92 family, composed of miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-19b-1, and miR-92a is well-characterized. This cluster functions during embryonic development in cell differentiation, growth, development, and morphogenesis and is an established oncogenic cluster. However, its role in the regulation of cellular metabolism, mainly in lipid metabolism and autophagy, has received less attention. Here, we argue that the miR-17-92 cluster is highly relevant for these two processes, and thus, could be involved in the study of pathologies derived from lysosomal deficiencies. Lysosomes are related to both processes, as they control cholesterol flux and regulate autophagy. Accordingly, we compiled, analyzed, and discussed current evidence that highlights the cluster's fundamental role in regulating cellular energetic metabolism (mainly lipid and cholesterol flux) and atherosclerosis, as well as its critical participation in autophagy regulation. Because these processes are closely related to lysosomes, we also provide experimental data from the literature to support our proposal that the miR-17-92 cluster could be involved in the pathogenesis and effects of lysosomal storage diseases (LSD).

Circulating CD81-expressing extracellular vesicles as biomarkers of response for immune-checkpoint inhibitors in advanced NSCLC

PD-L1 in tumor cells is the only used biomarker for anti PD1/PD-L1 immune-checkpoints inhibitors (ICI) in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, this parameter is inaccurate to predict response, especially in patients with low tumor PD-L1. Here, we evaluated circulating EVs as possible biomarkers for ICI in advanced NSCLC patients with low tumoral PD-L1. EVs were isolated from plasma of 64 PD-L1 low, ICI-treated NSCLC patients, classified either as responders (R; complete or partial response by RECIST 1.1) or non-responders (NR). EVs were characterized following MISEV guidelines and by flow cytometry. T cells from healthy donors were triggered in vitro using patients’ EVs. Unsupervised statistical approach was applied to correlate EVs’ and patients’ features to clinical response. R-EVs showed higher levels of tetraspanins (CD9, CD81, CD63) than NR-EVs, significantly associated to better overall response rate (ORR). In multivariable analysis CD81-EVs correlated with ORR. Unsupervised analysis revealed a cluster of variables on EVs, including tetraspanins, significantly associated with ORR and improved survival. R-EVs expressed more costimulatory molecules than NR-EVs although both increased T cell proliferation and partially, activation. Tetraspanins levels on EVs could represent promising biomarkers for ICI response in NSCLC.

Extracellular Vesicles and Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling in Cancer

Complexity in mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression is exemplified by the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, which suppresses early-stage hyperplasia, yet assists aggressive tumors to achieve metastasis. Of note, several molecules, including mRNAs, non-coding RNAs, and proteins known to be associated with the TGF-β pathway have been reported as constituents in the cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are secreted vesicles delimited by a lipid bilayer and play critical functions in intercellular communication, including regulation of the tumor microenvironment and cancer development. Thus, this review aims at summarizing the impact of EVs on TGF-β signaling by focusing on mechanisms by which EV cargo can influence tumorigenesis, metastatic spread, immune evasion and response to anti-cancer treatment. Moreover, we emphasize the potential of TGF-β-related molecules present in circulating EVs as useful biomarkers of prognosis, diagnosis, and prediction of response to treatment in cancer patients.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles shuttle c-Myc to promote gastric cancer growth and metastasis via the KCNQ1OT1/miR-556-3p/CLIC1 axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) assume a role in intercellular communication by carrying various molecules, including proteins, RNA, and DNAs, which has been identified to exhibit oncogenic effect in GC. Therefore, this research aimed to figure out whether tumor-derived EVs transmit c-Myc to orchestrate the growth and metastasis of GC. KCNQ1OT1, microRNA (miR)-556-3p and CLIC1 expression of GC tissues was detected through RT-qPCR. EVs were isolated from GC cells, followed by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis of c-Myc expression in EVs and GC cells. Next, GC cells were incubated with EVs or transfected with a series of mimic, inhibitor, or siRNAs to assess their effects on cell viability, migrative, invasive, and apoptotic potential. Relationship among c-Myc, KCNQ1OT1, miR-556-3p, and CLIC1 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins were assessed through Western blot analysis. KCNQ1OT1 and CLIC1 were highly expressed but miR-556-3p in GC tissues. c-Myc was high-expressed in tumor-derived EVs and GC cells. Mechanistically, c-Myc could induce KCNQ1OT1 expression, and KCNQ1OT1 bound to miR-556-3p that negatively targeted CLIC1 to inactivate PI3K/AKT pathway. Tumor-derived EVs, EVs-c-Myc, KCNQ1OT1 or CLIC1 overexpression, or miR-556-3p inhibition promoted GC cell proliferative, invasive, and migrative capacities but repressed their apoptosis through activating PI3K/AKT pathway. Collectively, tumor-derived EVs carrying c-Myc activated KCNQ1OT1 to downregulate miR-556-3p, thus elevating CLIC1 expression to activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, which facilitated the growth and metastasis of GC.

Molecular profiling of extracellular vesicles via charge-based capture using oxide nanowire microfluidics

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promising features as biomarkers for early cancer diagnoses. The outer layer of cancer cell-derived EVs consists of organotropic metastasis-induced membrane proteins and specifically enriched proteoglycans, and these molecular compositions determine EV surface charge. Although many efforts have been devoted to investigating the correlation between EV subsets obtained through density-, size-, and immunoaffinity-based captures and expressed membrane proteins, understanding the correlation between EV subsets obtained through surface charge-based capture and expressed membrane proteins is lacking. Here, we propose a methodology to profile membrane proteins of EV subsets obtained through surface charge-based capture. Nanowire-induced charge-based capture of EVs and in-situ profiling of EV membrane proteins are the two key methodology points. The oxide nanowires allowed EVs to be obtained through surface charge-based capture due to the diverse isoelectric points of the oxides and the large surface-to-volume ratios of the nanowire structures. And, with the ZnO nanowire device, whose use does not require any purification and concentration processes, we demonstrated the correlation between negatively-charged EV subsets and expressed membrane proteins derived from each cell. Furthermore, we determined that a colon cancer related membrane protein was overexpressed on negatively charged surface EVs derived from colon cancer cells.

microRNA-19b-3p-containing extracellular vesicles derived from macrophages promote the development of atherosclerosis by targeting JAZF1

Atherosclerosis has been regarded as a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the treatment of atherosclerosis has been increasingly reported. In this study, we set out to investigate the effect of macrophages‐derived EVs (M‐EVs) containing miR‐19b‐3p in the progression of atherosclerosis, with the involvement of JAZF1. Following isolation of EVs from macrophages, the M‐EVs were induced with ox‐low density lipoprotein (LDL) (ox‐LDL‐M‐EVs), and co‐cultured with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). RT‐qPCR and western blot assay were performed to determine the expression of miR‐19b‐3p and JAZF1 in M‐EVs and in VSMCs. Lentiviral infection was used to overexpress or knock down miR‐19b‐3p. EdU staining and scratch test were conducted to examine VSMC proliferation and migration. Dual‐luciferase gene reporter assay was performed to examine the relationship between miR‐19b‐3p and JAZF1. In order to explore the role of ox‐LDL‐M‐EVs carrying miR‐19b‐3p in atherosclerotic lesions in vivo, a mouse model of atherosclerosis was established through high‐fat diet induction. M‐EVs were internalized by VSMCs. VSMC migration and proliferation were promoted by ox‐LDL‐M‐EVs. miR‐19b‐3p displayed upregulation in ox‐LDL‐M‐EVs. miR‐19b‐3p was transferred by M‐EVs into VSMCs, thereby promoting VSMC migration and proliferation. mir‐19b‐3p targeted JAZF1 to decrease its expression in VSMCs. Atherosclerosis lesions were aggravated by ox‐LDL‐M‐EVs carrying miR‐19b‐3p in ApoE^−/− mice. Collectively, this study demonstrates that M‐EVs containing miR‐19b‐3p accelerate migration and promotion of VSMCs through targeting JAZF1, which promotes the development of atherosclerosis.

Circulating extracellular vesicles from individuals at high-risk of lung cancer induce pro-tumorigenic conversion of stromal cells through transfer of miR-126 and miR-320

BACKGROUND

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing specific subsets of functional biomolecules are released by all cell types and analysis of circulating EVs can provide diagnostic and prognostic information. To date, little is known regarding the role of EVs both as biomarkers and potential key players in human lung cancer.

METHODS

Plasma EVs were isolated from 40 cancer-free heavy-smokers classified according to a validated 24-microRNA signature classifier (MSC) at high (MSCpos-EVs) or low (MSCneg-EVs) risk to develop lung cancer. EVs origin and functional properties were investigated using in vitro 3D cultures and in vivo models. The prognostic value of miRNAs inside EVs was assessed in training and in validation cohorts of 54 and 48 lung cancer patients, respectively.

RESULTS

Different membrane composition, biological cargo and pro-tumorigenic activity were observed in MSCpos vs MSCneg-EVs. Mechanistically, in vitro and in vivo results showed that miR-126 and miR-320 from MSCpos-EVs increased pro-angiogenic phenotype of endothelial cells and M2 polarization of macrophage, respectively. MSCpos-EVs prompted 3D proliferation of non-tumorigenic epithelial cells through c-Myc transfer. Moreover, hypoxia was shown to stimulate the secretion of EVs containing c-Myc from fibroblasts, miR-126-EVs from endothelial cells and miR-320-EVs from granulocytes. Lung cancer patients with higher levels of mir-320 into EVs displayed a significantly shorter overall survival in training [HR2.96] and validation sets [HR2.68].

CONCLUSION

Overall our data provide a new perspective on the pro-tumorigenic role of circulating EVs in high risk smokers and highlight the significance of miR-320-EVs as a new prognostic biomarker in lung cancer patients.

Mangiferin Inhibits Human Lung Adenocarcinoma by Suppressing MiR-27b and MiR-92a

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most prevalent malignancies. However, its mechanism and therapeutic strategy remain to be clarified. Mangiferin is a flavonoid derived from the leaves of mango trees of the lacquer family that has many pharmacological and physiological effects. This research aimed to elucidate the biological effect of mangiferin in LUAD cell lines and clarify the in vitro mechanism of mangiferin. Mangiferin was shown to significantly restrain the proliferation of LUAD cells (A549, H1299, and H2030 cells) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, mangiferin was capable of stimulating apoptosis, and more cells were blocked in G1 and S phase in the mangiferin-treated cells than in those not treated with mangiferin. Microarrays and micro-RNA sequencing data suggested that there is a higher level of miR-27b and miR-92a in LUAD tissues than in non-LUAD tissues. Additional experiments indicated that mangiferin may be related to the downregulated levels of miR-92a and miR-27b. In conclusion, mangiferin likely regulates proliferation and apoptosis in LUAD cells by reducing the expression levels of miR-92a and miR-27b.

Non-coding RNAs in exosomes and adipocytes cause fat loss during cancer cachexia

Cancer Cachexia (CC) is a disease that changes various metabolisms in human body. Fat metabolism is significantly affected in CC, leading to fat loss. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in adipocytes and exosomes secreted by tumor play an important role in fat loss. However, there is no related reviews summarizing how ncRNAs contribute to fat loss during CC. This review screens recent articles to summarize how ncRNAs are packaged, transported in exosomes, and play the role in fat loss. Not only does this review summarize the mechanisms, we also point out the research orientations in the future.

In vivoorganized neovascularization induced by 3D bioprinted endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a key tool in the biotechnological landscape due to their well-documented ability to mediate intercellular communication. This feature has been explored and is under constant investigation by researchers, who have demonstrated the important role of EVs in several research fields ranging from oncology to immunology and diagnostics to regenerative medicine. Unfortunately, there are still some limitations to overcome before clinical application, including the inability to confine the EVs to strategically defined sites of interest to avoid side effects. In this study, for the first time, EV application is supported by 3D bioprinting technology to develop a new strategy for applying the angiogenic cargo of human umbilical vein endothelial cell-derived EVs in regenerative medicine. EVs, derived from human endothelial cells and grown under different stressed conditions, were collected and used as bioadditives for the formulation of advanced bioinks. Afterin vivosubcutaneous implantation, we demonstrated that the bioprinted 3D structures, loaded with EVs, supported the formation of a new functional vasculaturein situ, consisting of blood-perfused microvessels recapitulating the printed pattern. The results obtained in this study favour the development of new therapeutic approaches for critical clinical conditions, such as the need for prompt revascularization of ischaemic tissues, which represent the fundamental substrate for advanced regenerative medicine applications.

Role of extracellular vesicles in chronic lung disease

To explore the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in chronic lung diseases.

EVs are emerging as mediators of intercellular communication and possible diagnostic markers of disease. EVs harbour cargo molecules including RNA, lipids and proteins that they transfer to recipient cells. EVs are intercellular communicators within the lung microenvironment. Due to their disease-specific cargoes, EVs have the promise to be all-in-one complex multimodal biomarkers. EVs also have potential as drug carriers in chronic lung disease.

Descriptive discussion of key studies of EVs as contributors to disease pathology, as biomarkers and as potential therapies with a focus on chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.

We provide a broad overview of the roles of EV in chronic respiratory disease. Recent advances in profiling EVs have shown their potential as biomarker candidates. Further studies have provided insight into their disease pathology, particularly in inflammatory processes across a spectrum of lung diseases. EVs are on the horizon as new modes of drug delivery and as therapies themselves in cell-based therapeutics.

EVs are relatively untapped sources of information in the clinic that can help further detail the full translational nature of chronic lung disorders.

TRIP13 promotes lung cancer cell growth and metastasis through AKT/mTORC1/c-Myc signaling

BACKGROUND

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a primary cause of cancer-patient mortality throughout the world. Thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13 (TRIP13) is a gene that expresses a protein involved in cell division, including tumorigenesis. Its expression is high in various human tumors; however, its role in LUAD cells remains undetermined.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the TRIP13's role in the development of LUAD.

METHODS

Bioinformation analysis was used to analyze the expression of TRIP13 in LUAD tissues and the impact on the prognosis of LUAD; CRISPR/Cas9 was used to construct the cell lines; CCK-8 was used to explore the cell proliferation; Transwell assays was applied to exam the cell migration and cell invasion abilities; Western blot and immunoprecipitation was used to explore the relation between TRIP13 and AKT/mTORC1/c-Myc signaling pathway.

RESULTS

By analyzing LUAD data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases, we determined that TRIP13 is highly expressed in LUAD tissues and that this expression level has a negative impact on the patient mortality. TRIP13 has also proved to promote LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In this study, we demonstrated that TRIP13 activates AKT/mTORC1/c-Myc signaling in these cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results have identified the role and potential mechanism by which TRIP13 affects LUAD cells, which may provide a useful marker for helping to diagnose this disease and create new therapies against it.

Small EVs-Associated DNA as Complementary Biomarker to Circulating Tumor DNA in Plasma of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

It is widely accepted that assessing circular tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the plasma of cancer patients is a promising practice to evaluate somatic mutations from solid tumors noninvasively. Recently, it was reported that isolation of extracellular vesicles improves the detection of mutant DNA from plasma in metastatic patients; however, no consensus on the presence of dsDNA in exosomes has been reached yet. We analyzed small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-associated DNA of eleven metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients and compared the results obtained by microarray and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to those reported on the ctDNA fraction. We detected the same mutations found in tissue biopsies and ctDNA in all samples but, unexpectedly, in one sample, we found a KRAS mutation that was not identified either in ctDNA or tissue biopsy. Furthermore, to assess the exact location of sEV-associated DNA (outside or inside the vesicle), we treated with DNase I sEVs isolated with three different methodologies. We found that the DNA inside the vesicles is only a small fraction of that surrounding the vesicles. Its amount seems to correlate with the total amount of circulating tumor DNA. The results obtained in our experimental setting suggest that integrating ctDNA and sEV-associated DNA in mCRC patient management could provide a complete real-time assessment of the cancer mutation status.

Landscape of extracellular vesicles in the tumour microenvironment: Interactions with stromal cells and with non-cell components, and impacts on metabolic reprogramming, horizontal transfer of neoplastic traits, and the emergence of therapeutic resistance

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognised as a pivotal player in cell-cell communication, an attribute of EVs that derives from their ability to transport bioactive cargoes between cells, resulting in complex intercellular signalling mediated by EVs, which occurs under both physiological and pathological conditions. In the context of cancer, recent studies have demonstrated the versatile and crucial roles of EVs in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Here, we revisit EV biology, and focus on EV-mediated interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells, including fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells and neurons. In addition, we focus on recent reports indicating interactions between EVs and non-cell constituents within the TME, including the extracellular matrix. We also review and summarise the intricate cancer-associated network modulated by EVs, which promotes metabolic reprogramming, horizontal transfer of neoplastic traits, and therapeutic resistance in the TME. We aim to provide a comprehensive and updated landscape of EVs in the TME, focusing on oncogenesis, cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, together with our future perspectives on the field.

miR-34a in extracellular vesicles from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells reduces rheumatoid arthritis inflammation via the cyclin I/ATM/ATR/p53 axis

Extracellular vesicles (Evs) participate in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the mechanism by which microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) contained in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM‐MSC)‐derived Evs functions in RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLSs). BM‐MSC‐derived Evs and an Evs inhibitor were extracted. A rat model of RA was established. miR‐34a gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments were performed, and the inflammation in rat synovial fluid and tissues was detected. The role of miR‐34a in RA‐FLSs was also measured in vitro. The target gene of miR‐34a was predicted using the online software TargetScan and identified using a dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, and the activation of the ATM/ATR/p53 signalling pathway was assessed. BM‐MSC‐derived Evs mainly elevated miR‐34a expression, which reduced RA inflammation in vivo and inhibited RA‐FLS proliferation and resistance to apoptosis in vitro, while inhibited miR‐34a expression enhanced RA development. In addition, miR‐34a could target cyclin I to activate the ATM/ATR/p53 signalling pathway, thus inhibiting abnormal RA‐FLS growth and RA inflammation. Our study showed that miR‐34a contained in BM‐MSC‐derived Evs could reduce RA inflammation by inhibiting the cyclin I/ATM/ATR/p53 signalling pathway.

Extracellular vesicles and oncogenic signaling

In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for cancer therapy. While the field of EV research is rapidly developing and their application as vehicles for therapeutic cargo is being tested, little is still known about the exact mechanisms of signaling specificity and cargo transfer by EVs, especially in vivo. Several signaling cascades have been found to use EVs for signaling in the tumor-stroma interaction. These include potentially oncogenic, verbatim transforming, signaling cascades such as Wnt and TGF-β signaling, and other signaling cascades that have been tightly associated with tumor progression and metastasis, such as PD-L1 and VEGF signaling. Multiple mechanisms of how these signaling cascades and EVs interplay to mediate these complex processes have been described, such as direct signal activation through pathway components on or in EVs or indirectly by influencing vesicle biogenesis, cargo sorting, or uptake dynamics. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of EVs, their biogenesis, and our understanding of EV interactions with recipient cells with a focus on selected oncogenic and cancer-associated signaling pathways. After an in-depth look at how EVs mediate and influence signaling, we discuss potentially translatable EV functions and existing knowledge gaps.

Extracellular vesicles and oncogenic signaling

In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for cancer therapy. While the field of EV research is rapidly developing and their application as vehicles for therapeutic cargo is being tested, little is still known about the exact mechanisms of signaling specificity and cargo transfer by EVs, especially in vivo. Several signaling cascades have been found to use EVs for signaling in the tumor-stroma interaction. These include potentially oncogenic, verbatim transforming, signaling cascades such as Wnt and TGF-β signaling, and other signaling cascades that have been tightly associated with tumor progression and metastasis, such as PD-L1 and VEGF signaling. Multiple mechanisms of how these signaling cascades and EVs interplay to mediate these complex processes have been described, such as direct signal activation through pathway components on or in EVs or indirectly by influencing vesicle biogenesis, cargo sorting, or uptake dynamics. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of EVs, their biogenesis, and our understanding of EV interactions with recipient cells with a focus on selected oncogenic and cancer-associated signaling pathways. After an in-depth look at how EVs mediate and influence signaling, we discuss potentially translatable EV functions and existing knowledge gaps.

Beyond LKB1 Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Defining LKB1less Phenotype to Optimize Patient Selection and Treatment

LKB1 is frequently mutated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LKB1-mutated NSCLCs often have a dismal prognosis and receive lower benefit from the currently available therapies. LKB1 acts as a cell emergency brake in low-energy conditions, by modulating the activity of crucial anabolic enzymes. Thus, loss of LKB1 activity leads to the enhancement of tumor cell proliferation also under conditions of energy shortage. This unrestrained growth may be exploited as an Achilles heel in NSCLC, i.e., by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration. Recently, clinical trials have started to investigate the efficacy of metabolism-based treatments in NSCLCs. To date, enrollment of patients within these trials is based on LKB1 loss of function status, defined by mutation in the gene or by complete absence of immunohistochemical staining. However, LKB1 impairment could be the consequence of epigenetic regulations that partially or completely abrogate protein expression. These epigenetic regulations result in LKB1 wild-type tumors with aggressiveness and vulnerabilities similar to those of LKB1-mutated ones. In this review, we introduced the definition of the “LKB1less phenotype”, and we summarized all currently known features linked to this status, in order to optimize selection and treatment of NSCLC patients with impaired LKB1 function.

Esomeprazole overcomes paclitaxel-resistance and enhances anticancer effects of paclitaxel by inducing autophagy in A549/Taxol cells

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies, and the occurrence of drug-resistance severely limits the efficacy of anticancer drugs in the treatment of NSCLC. Identification of new agents to reverse drug-resistance in NSCLC treatment is of great importance and urgency both clinically and scientifically. In the present study, we found that A549/Taxol cells displayed a high level of resistance to paclitaxel with the resistance index up to 231. Importantly, esomeprazole could potentiate the antiproliferative effect of paclitaxel in A549/Taxol cells, but not in A549 cells. Further exploration on the underlying mechanisms revealed that esomeprazole decreased the intracellular pH via inhibiting V-ATPase expression in A549/Taxol cells. Meanwhile, esomeprazole pretreatment significantly promoted paclitaxel-induced polymerization of tubulin and enhanced the proportion of G2/M-arrested cells in A549/Taxol cells. Unfortunately, esomeprazole could only result in a slight decrease in the expression of P-gp in A549/Taxol cells. Interestingly, esomeprazole significantly increased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, which was impeded by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA in A549/Taxol cells. Taken together, our data suggest that esomeprazole is a promising chemosensitizer against paclitaxel-resistant NSCLC by inducing autophagy. Our study also offers a new strategy to solve the paclitaxel-resistance problem during NSCLC treatment.

Inhibition Mir-92a Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis of Alveolar Epithelial Cells Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Exposure through TLR2/AP-1 Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To probe into the role of miR-92a in alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway.

METHODS

Acute lung injury (ALI) rat model and ALI alveolar epithelial cell model were constructed to inhibit the expression of miR-92a/TLR2/AP-1 in rat and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), to detect the changes of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis in rat lung tissues and AECs, and to measure the changes of wet-dry weight (W/D) ratio in rat lung tissues.

RESULTS

Both inhibition of miR-92a expression and knockout of TLR2 and AP-1 gene could reduce LPS-induced rat ALI, alleviate pulmonary edema, inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and reduce apoptosis of lung tissue cells. In addition, the TLR2 and AP-1 levels in the lung tissues of ALI rats were noticed to be suppressed when inhibiting the expression of miR-92a, and the AP-1 level was also decreased after the knockout of TLR2 gene. Further, we verified this relationship in AECs and found that inhibition of miR-92a/TLR2/AP-1 also alleviated LPS-induced AEC injury, reduced cell apoptosis, and inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory response. What is more, like that in rat lung tissue, the phenomenon also existed in AECs, that is, when the expression of miR-92a was inhibited, the expression of TLR2 and AP-1 was inhibited, and silencing TLR2 can reduce the expression level of AP-1.

CONCLUSION

MiR-92a/TLR2/AP-1 is highly expressed in ALI, and its inhibition can improve oxidative stress and inflammatory response and reduce apoptosis of AECs.

Improving extracellular vesicles visualization: From static to motion

In the last decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a hot topic. The findings on EVs content and effects have made them a major field of interest in cancer research. EVs, are able to be internalized through integrins expressed in parental cells, in a tissue specific manner, as a key step of cancer progression and pre-metastatic niche formation. However, this specificity might lead to new opportunities in cancer treatment by using EVs as devices for drug delivery. For future applications of EVs in cancer, improved protocols and methods for EVs isolation and visualization are required. Our group has put efforts on developing a protocol able to track the EVs for in vivo internalization analysis. We showed, for the first time, the videos of labeled EVs uptake by living lung cancer cells.

MicroRNA 452 Regulates Cell Proliferation, Cell Migration, and Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer by Suppressing VEGFA Expression

The human microRNA 452 (MIR452) was identified as a colorectal cancer (CRC)-associated micro RNA (miRNA) by miRNA expression profiling of human CRC tissues versus normal colorectal tissues. It was significantly up-regulated in human CRC tissues. However, the functional mechanisms of MIR452 and its target genes in CRC remain unclear. We identified 27 putative MIR452 target genes, and found that the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was a direct target gene of MIR452. Both cellular and extracellular VEGFA levels were significantly downregulated in CRC cells upon their transfection with MIR452 or siVEGFA. VEGFA expression was frequently downregulated in human CRC tissues in comparison with that in their healthy counterparts. We showed that MIR452 regulated the expression of genes in the VEGFA-mediated signal transduction pathways vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR2)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and VEGFR2-SRC proto-oncogene non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC) in CRC cells. Immunohistological analyses of xenografted MIR452-overexpressing CRC cells in mice showed that MIR452 regulated cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, aortic ring angiogenesis assay in rats clearly showed that the number of microvessels formed was significantly reduced by MIR452 transfection. Our findings suggest that MIR452 regulates cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis by suppressing VEGFA expression in early CRC progression; therefore, MIR452 may have therapeutic value in relation to human CRC.