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Qiu W, Zhang S, Yu W, Liu J, Wu H. Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis: Remarkable indicators and potential oncogenic mechanism. Comput Biol Med 2024; 180:108867. [PMID: 39089114 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108867] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as key regulators involving in intercellular biological processes, are more prominent in many malignancies, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we conduct a comprehensive review to summarize diverse ncRNAs roles in HCC metastatic mechanism. We focus on four signaling pathways that predominate in HCC metastatic process, including Wnt/β-catenin, HIF-1α, IL-6, and TGF-β pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) employed different mechanisms to participate in the regulation of the key genes in these pathways, typical as interaction with DNA to control transcription, with RNA to control translation, and with protein to control stability. Therefore, ncRNAs may become potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Qiu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Song Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiling Wu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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2
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Liu JP, Song SH, Shi PM, Qin XY, Zheng BN, Liu SQ, Ding CH, Zhang X, Xie WF, Shi YH, Xu WP. miR-541 is associated with the prognosis of liver cirrhosis and directly targets JAG2 to inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:84. [PMID: 38395762 PMCID: PMC10893617 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been emphasized as a leading event of the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis, while the exact mechanism of its activation is largely unknown. Furthermore, the novel non-invasive predictors of prognosis in cirrhotic patients warrant more exploration. miR-541 has been identified as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma and a regulator of fibrotic disease, such as lung fibrosis and renal fibrosis. However, its role in liver cirrhosis has not been reported. METHODS Real-time PCR was used to detect miR-541 expression in the liver tissues and sera of liver cirrhosis patients and in the human LX-2. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-541 on the activation of LX-2. Bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase reporter assay were conducted to investigate the target gene of miR-541. RESULTS miR-541 was downregulated in the tissues and sera of patients with liver cirrhosis, which was exacerbated by deteriorating disease severity. Importantly, the lower expression of miR-541 was associated with more episodes of complications including ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, a shorter overall lifespan, and decompensation-free survival. Moreover, multivariate Cox's regression analysis verified lower serum miR-541 as an independent risk factor for liver-related death in cirrhotic patients (HR = 0.394; 95% CI: 0.164-0.947; P = 0.037). miR-541 was also decreased in LX-2 cells activated by TGF-β and the overexpression of miR-541 inhibited the proliferation, activation and hydroxyproline secretion of LX-2 cells. JAG2 is an important ligand of Notch signaling and was identified as a direct target gene of miR-541. The expression of JAG2 was upregulated in the liver tissues of cirrhotic patients and was inversely correlated with miR-541 levels. A rescue assay further confirmed that JAG2 was involved in the function of miR-541 when regulating LX-2 activation and Notch signaling. CONCLUSIONS Dysregulation of miR-541/JAG2 axis might be a as a new mechanism of liver fibrosis, and miR-541 could serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker and therapeutic targets for liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Pei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gongli Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area, 219 Miaopu Road, 200135, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-Hua Song
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Mei Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gongli Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area, 219 Miaopu Road, 200135, Shanghai, China
| | - Bai-Nan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Hong Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi-Hai Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gongli Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area, 219 Miaopu Road, 200135, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wen-Ping Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China.
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Huang L, Xu Y, Wang N, Yi K, Xi X, Si H, Zhang Q, Xiang M, Rong Y, Yuan Y, Wang F. Next-Generation Preclinical Functional Testing Models in Cancer Precision Medicine: CTC-Derived Organoids. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301009. [PMID: 37882328 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Basic and clinical cancer research requires tumor models that consistently recapitulate the characteristics of prima tumors. As ex vivo 3D cultures of patient tumor cells, patient-derived tumor organoids possess the biological properties of primary tumors and are therefore excellent preclinical models for cancer research. Patient-derived organoids can be established using primary tumor tissues, peripheral blood, pleural fluid, ascites, and other samples containing tumor cells. Circulating tumor cells acquired by non-invasive sampling feature dynamic circulation and high heterogeneity. Circulating tumor cell-derived organoids are prospective tools for the dynamic monitoring of tumor mutation evolution profiles because they reflect the heterogeneity of the original tumors to a certain extent. This review discusses the advantages and applications of patient-derived organoids. Meanwhile, this work highlights the biological functions of circulating tumor cells, the latest advancement in research of circulating tumor cell-derived organoids, and potential application and challenges of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxiang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yaqi Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kezhen Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaodan Xi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Huaqi Si
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ming Xiang
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuan Rong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fubing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
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Aalikhani M, Alikhani M, Khajeniazi S, Khosravi A, Bazi Z, Kianmehr A. Positive effect of miR-2392 on fibroblast to cardiomyocyte-like cell fate transition: an in silico and in vitro study. Gene 2023; 879:147598. [PMID: 37393060 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Somatic cell fate transition is now gained great importance in tissue regeneration. Currently, research is focused on heart tissue regeneration by reprogramming diverse cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Here, we examined the possible effect of miRNAs on the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells. METHODS First heart-specific miRNAs were identified by comparing the gene expression profiles of heart tissue to other body tissues using bioinformatic techniques. After identifying heart-specific miRNAs, their cellular and molecular functions were studied using the miRWalk and miRBase databases. Then the candidate miRNA was cloned into a lentiviral vector. Following, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured and treated with compounds forskolin, valproic acid, and CHIR99021. After 24 h, the lentivector harboring miRNA gene was transfected into the cells to initiate the transdifferentiation process. Finally, after a two-week treatment period, the efficiency of transdifferentiation was examined by inspecting the appearance of the cells and measuring the expression levels of cardiac genes and proteins using RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry techniques. RESULTS Nine miRNAs were identified with higher expression in the heart. The miR-2392 was nominated as the candidate miRNA due to its function and specific expression in the heart. This miRNA has a direct connection with genes involved in cell growth and differentiation; e.g., MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways. According to in vitro results cardiac genes and proteins demonstrated an increase in expression in the fibroblasts that simultaneously received the three chemicals and miR-2392. CONCLUSION Considering the ability of miR-2392 to induce the expression of cardiac genes and proteins in fibroblast cells, it can induce fibroblasts to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Therefore, miR-2392 could be further optimized for cardiomyocyte regeneration, tissue repair, and drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Aalikhani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Alikhani
- Department of Cardiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoura Khajeniazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ayyoob Khosravi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Zahra Bazi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Anvarsadat Kianmehr
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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Li J, Bao H, Huang Z, Liang Z, Wang M, Lin N, Ni C, Xu Y. Little things with significant impact: miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1191070. [PMID: 37274242 PMCID: PMC10235484 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1191070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has developed into one of the most lethal, aggressive, and malignant cancers worldwide. Although HCC treatment has improved in recent years, the incidence and lethality of HCC continue to increase yearly. Therefore, an in-depth study of the pathogenesis of HCC and the search for more reliable therapeutic targets are crucial to improving the survival quality of HCC patients. Currently, miRNAs have become one of the hotspots in life science research, which are widely present in living organisms and are non-coding RNAs involved in regulating gene expression. MiRNAs exert their biological roles by suppressing the expression of downstream genes and are engaged in various HCC-related processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, the expression status of miRNAs is related to the drug resistance mechanism of HCC, which has important implications for the systemic treatment of HCC. This paper reviews the regulatory role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC and the clinical applications of miRNAs in HCC in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehan Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haolin Bao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ziyue Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zixin Liang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ning Lin
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chunjie Ni
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomarkers and In Vitro Diagnosis Translation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Pharmacy and Individualized Therapy of Huzhou, Department of Pharmacy, Changxing People’s Hospital, Changxing, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Li H, Cheng F, Su X, Mao S. miR-2392 serves as an immunological and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2022; 42:2923-2924. [PMID: 35962781 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huizi Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Xingyao Su
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Shengxun Mao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, PR China
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Sun B, Chen L, Tang E, Lin M. The immuno-therapeutic potential of miR-2392 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2022; 42:2585-2586. [PMID: 35962762 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Erjiang Tang
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Moubin Lin
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Ceramide Metabolism Regulated by Sphingomyelin Synthase 2 Is Associated with Acquisition of Chemoresistance via Exosomes in Human Leukemia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810648. [PMID: 36142562 PMCID: PMC9505618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceramide levels controlled by the sphingomyelin (SM) cycle have essential roles in cancer cell fate through the regulation of cell proliferation, death, metastasis, and drug resistance. Recent studies suggest that exosomes confer cancer malignancy. However, the relationship between ceramide metabolism and exosome-mediated cancer malignancy is unclear. In this study, we elucidated the role of ceramide metabolism via the SM cycle in exosomes and drug resistance in human leukemia HL-60 and adriamycin-resistant HL-60/ADR cells. HL-60/ADR cells showed significantly increased exosome production and release compared with parental chemosensitive HL-60 cells. In HL-60/ADR cells, increased SM synthase (SMS) activity reduced ceramide levels, although released exosomes exhibited a high ceramide ratio in both HL-60- and HL-60/ADR-derived exosomes. Overexpression of SMS2 but not SMS1 suppressed intracellular ceramide levels and accelerated exosome production and release in HL-60 cells. Notably, HL-60/ADR exosomes conferred cell proliferation and doxorubicin resistance properties to HL-60 cells. Finally, microRNA analysis in HL-60 and HL-60/ADR cells and exosomes showed that miR-484 elevation in HL-60/ADR cells and exosomes was associated with exosome-mediated cell proliferation. This suggests that intracellular ceramide metabolism by SMS2 regulates exosome production and release, leading to acquisition of drug resistance and enhanced cell proliferation in leukemia cells.
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