猪圆环病毒2型通过外泌体miR-125a-5p靶向Bcl-2诱导淋巴细胞凋亡

为研究miR-125a-5p在猪圆环病毒2型(porcine circovirus type 2,PCV2)诱导淋巴细胞凋亡中的作用及其作用机制,以PCV2感染PK-15细胞外泌体孵育的淋巴细胞为研究对象,采用流式细胞术、蛋白质免疫印迹试验(Western blotting)和实时荧光定量PCR,检测淋巴细胞凋亡率及凋亡相关miRNA表达;合成miR-125a-5p模拟物和抑制物转染PK-15细胞,检测miR-125a-5p过表达或抑制表达后细胞凋亡率;采用生物信息学方法预测miR-125a-5p的靶基因,双荧光素酶报告基因检测miR-125a-5p对靶基因的调控;Western blotting检测外泌体孵育淋巴细胞的线粒体凋亡信号通路相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax、细胞色素C和caspase-3的表达。结果显示,感染PCV2的PK-15细胞分泌的外泌体极显著提高淋巴细胞凋亡率,在一定浓度范围内呈剂量依赖性;与PCV2诱导细胞凋亡相关的miRNA中,miR-125a-5p表达量极显著升高,miR-125a-5p模拟物转染细胞后极显著提高细胞凋亡率;利用TargetScan预测发现,miR-125a-5p与Bcl-2 3''UTR区有结合位点,miR-125a-5p模拟物极显著抑制pmir-Bcl-2 3''UTR-WT荧光素酶活性,对pmir-Bcl-2 3''UTR-MuT的荧光素酶活性无明显改变;外泌体孵育的淋巴细胞Bcl-2表达量显著降低,Bax、细胞色素C的释放和caspase-3表达量显著升高,Bcl-2/Bax的比值极显著降低。这表明,PCV2通过外泌体诱导淋巴细胞上调miR-125a-5p的表达,进而抑制Bcl-2 mRNA和蛋白表达,激活淋巴细胞线粒体凋亡通路诱导细胞凋亡。     

拉帕替尼通过激活p38MAPK信号通路促进NB4细胞凋亡

该文探讨了拉帕替尼对急性早幼粒细胞白血病NB4细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及相关分子机制。用p38MAPK抑制剂和不同浓度的拉帕替尼处理NB4细胞24 h,CCK-8(cell counting kit-8)实验检测细胞增殖,FITC-Annexin V/PI双染色法检测细胞凋亡,光学显微镜和Hoechst 33258染色观察细胞形态,Western blot检测Bcl-2(B cell leukemia-2)、Bax(Bcl-2 associated X protein)、caspase-3、PARP(poly-ADP-ribose polymerase)、PML-RARα(promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha)、p38MAPK(p38 mitongen-activated protein kinase)和p-p38MAPK(phosphorylated p38 mitongen-activated protein kinase)等蛋白质水平。结果显示,随着拉帕替尼药物浓度的增加,细胞增殖率显著降低,细胞凋亡数量明显增加,Hoechst 33258染色可见染色质浓缩、碎裂等凋亡现象。同时,拉帕替尼能降低Bcl-2和PML-RARα蛋白质水平,增加Bax、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved PARP和p-p38MAPK等蛋白质水平。用p38MAPK抑制剂预处理后,细胞增殖率升高,凋亡率降低,p-p38MAPK、Bax、cleaved caspase-3和cleaved PARP等蛋白质水平降低。该文结果提示,拉帕替尼能够抑制NB4细胞增殖并促进细胞凋亡,并且p38MAPK信号通路可能参与这些过程。     

葡萄籽原花青素通过PI3K/Akt信号通路抑制氧化应激诱导的H9c2心肌细胞凋亡

为了探讨葡萄籽原花青素(grape seed proanthocyanidin, GSP)对心肌细胞的保护作用及机制,通过CCK-8法评估细胞活力,采用Western-blot分析评估GSP对凋亡相关蛋白质(cleaved caspase-3、Bax和Bcl-2)和PI3K/Akt通路相关蛋白质(p-PI3K、PI3K、p-Akt和Akt)表达水平的影响,并使用TUNEL染色和Hoechst 33258染色评估H9c2心肌细胞凋亡情况。结果显示, GSP可以抑制H₂O₂诱导的H9c2心肌细胞的细胞毒性和凋亡,使促凋亡蛋白cleaved caspase-3和Bax表达下降,并使抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2表达水平升高; GSP作用于H9c2细胞后, PI3K和Akt的磷酸化水平增加,使PI3K/Akt信号通路激活。实验结果初步表明, GSP可抑制氧化应激诱导的H9c2心肌细胞凋亡,其作用机制可能与激活PI3K/Akt信号通路有关。     

细胞色素c的释放是多巴胺诱导PC12细胞凋亡的重要环节

通过末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导dUTP缺口翻译法和DNA凝胶电泳观察多巴胺(DA)对PC12细胞凋亡的诱导作用, 并经蛋白质印迹法检测胞浆细胞色素c、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白以及活化型半胱氨酸蛋白酶3(caspase-3)水平. 结果表明, 在DA诱导PC12细胞凋亡的过程中, 可见PC12细胞中活化型caspase-3蛋白表达, 胞浆中细胞色素c水平明显增高, 同时Bcl-2蛋白水平下降, 而Bax蛋白水平明显增加. 环孢菌素A预处理对细胞色素c释放和caspase-3激活有明显的抑制作用, 而对Bcl-2和Bax蛋白影响不明显. 结果提示, Bcl-2和Bax蛋白、细胞色素c以及caspase-3可能参与DA诱导PC12细胞凋亡, 线粒体细胞色素c向胞浆释放可能是其中的中心环节.     

表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯通过活化p38α诱导急性早幼粒细胞白血病NB4细胞凋亡

该文研究了表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯(epigallocatechin gallate,EGCG)诱导NB4细胞凋亡的可能分子机制。不同浓度梯度EGCG处理NB4细胞,或预先用p38α抑制剂PD169316处理NB4细胞,再用EGCG处理。用CCK-8(cell counting kit-8)方法检测细胞增殖情况,用FITC-Annexin V/PI双染色法检测细胞凋亡情况,用Western blot检测p38α、P-p38α、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白质表达水平。结果显示,随着EGCG浓度的升高,NB4细胞增殖率逐渐降低,细胞凋亡率明显升高。P-p38α和Bax蛋白质表达水平升高,与EGCG浓度呈正相关;而Bcl-2蛋白质表达水平降低。p38α抑制剂处理后,NB4细胞增殖率升高,凋亡率降低,Bax蛋白质表达水平降低,而Bcl-2蛋白质表达水平无明显变化。以上结果表明,EGCG可能通过活化p38α诱导急性早幼粒细胞白血病NB4细胞凋亡。     

汉黄芩素抗骨肉瘤143B细胞的实验研究

目的:观察汉黄芩素对人骨肉瘤细胞系143B增殖和凋亡的影响,并探讨其可能的作用机制。方法:采用体外培养人成骨肉瘤细胞系143B,CCK-8实验检测不同浓度汉黄芩素对骨肉瘤143B细胞增殖抑制作用;流式细胞术分析汉黄芩素对癌细胞周期分布及凋亡的影响;Western Blot检测凋亡相关蛋白Bax、Bcl-2、cleaved caspase-9和cleaved caspase-3的表达水平。结果:CCK-8结果显示汉黄芩素以时间、浓度依耐性的方式抑制骨肉瘤143B细胞的增殖;流式细胞术结果表明汉黄芩素可导致骨肉瘤细胞周期阻滞于G0/G1期并以浓度依赖的方式诱导骨肉瘤细胞凋亡;Western Blot检测结果证明,汉黄芩素可上调骨肉瘤细胞中促凋亡蛋白Bax、cleaved caspase-9、cleaved caspase-3的表达,而下调抑制凋亡蛋白Bcl-2。结论:汉黄芩素抑制骨肉瘤细胞增殖、导致细胞周期阻滞,促进其凋亡,并呈现时间和浓度依赖性,汉黄芩素激活Caspase凋亡途径及诱导细胞周期阻滞可能是其抗骨肉瘤的作用机制。     

早幼粒细胞诱导凋亡过程中Bcl-2动态平衡表达

细胞凋亡机制的探索对于急性早幼粒细胞白血病治疗至关重要。B细胞淋巴瘤-2(B-cell lymphoma-2,Bcl-2)基因家族是调控细胞凋亡的关键基因。拮抗和促进细胞凋亡的动态平衡决定细胞的命运。本研究通过对凋亡相关基因的表达水平与细胞生长趋势的分析表明,高三尖杉酯碱与全反式维甲酸联合处理细胞可以更有效地促进早幼粒细胞凋亡(P<0.05)。随着药物浓度变化,Bcl-2与相关基因的表达呈现先升高后降低的趋势(P<0.05)。低浓度药物处理时,抗凋亡蛋白质Bcl-2表达升高,阻止细胞凋亡(P<0.05)。随药物浓度的升高,Bcl-2表达降低,细胞凋亡率提高,进入深度凋亡期(P<0.05)。荧光显微镜观察与流式细胞术的方法验证了细胞凋亡的情况。本研究进一步阐明了高三尖杉酯碱联合全反式维甲酸诱导早幼粒细胞凋亡过程中,Bcl-2及细胞凋亡与增殖的相关基因表达水平的变化与分子机制,为深入探索药物联合诱导凋亡提供可靠支持,为临床治疗做出基础理论的补充。     

金葡菌通过线粒体途径诱导U937细胞凋亡

目的探讨线粒体凋亡途径在金黄色葡萄球菌（简称金葡菌）诱导人巨噬细胞系U937细胞凋亡中的作用。方法当细胞：细菌为1∶20时分别培养0 min,15 min,30 min,60 min和90 min,采用Western blot法检测胞质细胞色素C的表达及细胞内Bcl-2、Bax、caspase-9和caspase-3的表达。结果随着金葡菌感染时间的延长,胞质细胞色素C和Bax的表达逐渐增加;Bcl-2蛋白的表达逐渐降低;caspase-9和caspase-3的表达逐渐增加。结论金葡菌可通过抑制Bcl-2表达和促进Bax表达引起线粒体细胞色素C释放入胞质,激活caspase-9和caspase-3,促进U937细胞凋亡。     

液泡分选蛋白4B对骨关节炎软骨细胞凋亡的调控作用

目的:探讨液泡分选蛋白4B(VPS4B)对骨关节炎软骨细胞凋亡的调控作用。方法:通过内侧半月板部分切除加前交叉韧带切断的方法建立骨关节炎SD大鼠模型,通过RT-PCR和免疫组化检测VPS4B在大鼠关节软骨中的表达。番红O/固绿染色方法检测大鼠膝关节软骨组织形态变化。通过用10 ng/mL的IL-1β诱导人软骨肉瘤细胞SW1353 24 h来模拟骨关节炎样软骨细胞损伤,Western blot检测SW1353细胞中VPS4B、凋亡相关因子(cleaved caspase-3和cleaved PARP)和磷酸化p38的表达。转染si-RNA敲低SW1353细胞中VPS4B表达,并评估其对IL-1β诱导的SW1353细胞凋亡标记和p38 MAPK信号通路的影响。膜联蛋白V (Annexin V)和碘化丙啶(PI)染色用于检测软骨细胞凋亡。结果:VPS4B在模型组大鼠的关节软骨中明显上调(P0.05)。IL-1β诱导24 h后,SW1353细胞中的VPS4B、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved PARP和p-p38蛋白表达水平均明显增加。而转染VPS4B-si RNA敲低VPS4B的表达后,cleaved caspase-3、cleaved PARP和p-p38蛋白表达水平均被抑制,并且抑制了IL-1β诱导细胞的凋亡率。结论:VPS4B在骨关节炎发病过程中明显上调,VPS4B的上调通过激活p38 MAPK信号通路来促进软骨细胞凋亡。     

缺氧微环境SIRT1亚细胞定位对结直肠癌细胞凋亡的影响及其机制研究

目的:探究缺氧微环境SIRT1亚细胞定位对结直肠癌细胞凋亡的影响及其分子机制。方法:将编码过表达野生型SIRT1以及核定位序列(nuclear localization sequence,NLS)突变型SIRT1(SIRT1NLSmt)的慢病毒载体转染人类结肠癌HCT116细胞株,经嘌呤霉素筛选获得稳定过表达野生型SIRT1细胞株(LV-SIRT1细胞)和细胞质定位的NLS突变型SIRT1细胞株(LV-SIRT1NLSmt细胞),通过观察慢病毒载体编码的SIRT1-GFP融合蛋白的荧光定位,明确稳定转染细胞中外源性SIRT1的亚细胞定位。利用real-time PCR、Western blot法对分离提取的核-质蛋白进行检测,证实外源性SIRT1的表达和亚细胞定位情况。利用CCK-8细胞毒性实验、流式细胞术检测和TUNEL染色比较缺氧(1%O2)处理前后LV-SIRT1和LV-SIRT1NLSmt细胞存活或凋亡情况,Western blot法检测凋亡相关蛋白p53、ac-p53(K382)、Bcl-2、Bax、caspase-3和cleaved caspase-3表达水平。结果:Western blot、real-time PCR和免疫荧光染色结果显示稳定转染细胞均存在外源性SIRT1的过表达,NLS突变可导致SIRT1NLSmt富集于细胞质中;与亲本细胞HCT116和LV-SIRT1NLSmt细胞相比,LV-SIRT1细胞对缺氧的耐受能力最差、细胞凋亡水平最高,凋亡相关蛋白p53、Bax、caspase-3、cleaved caspase-3表达水平显著升高,ac-p53(K382)和Bcl-2表达水平显著下降,且LV-SIRT1细胞的胞核ac-p53下降最为显著。结论:在缺氧微环境中,细胞核定位的SIRT1通过影响p53的去乙酰化水平促进结直肠癌细胞凋亡。     

Exosomes derived from chemically induced human hepatic progenitors inhibit oxidative stress induced cell death

The emerging field of regenerative medicine has revealed that the exosome contributes to many aspects of development and disease through intercellular communication between donor and recipient cells. However, the biological functions of exosomes secreted from cells have remained largely unexplored. Here, we report that the human hepatic progenitor cells (CdHs)-derived exosome (EXO^hCdHs) plays a crucial role in maintaining cell viability. The inhibition of exosome secretion treatment with GW4869 results in the acceleration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby causing a decrease of cell viability. This event provokes inhibition of caspase dependent cell death signaling, leading to a ROS-dependent cell damage response and thus induces promotion of antioxidant gene expression or repair of cell death of hypoxia-exposed cells. Together, these findings show the effect of exosomes in regeneration of liver cells, and offer valuable new insights into liver regeneration.     

Exosomes derived from SDF1-overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells inhibit ischemic myocardial cell apoptosis and promote cardiac endothelial microvascular regeneration in mice with myocardial infarction

Exosomes extracted from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was reported to reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion damage. Besides, stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1a) functions as cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, the present study aims to identify whether exosomes (Exo) released from SDF1-overexpressing MSCs display a beneficial effect on ischemic myocardial infarction. Initially, a gain-of-function study was performed to investigate the function of SDF1 in ischemic myocardial cells and cardiac endothelial cells. Coculture experiments were performed to measure potential exosomic transfer of SDF1 from MSCs to ischemic myocardial cells and cardiac endothelial cells. During the coculture experiments, exosome secretion was disrupted by neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitor GW4869 and upregulated exosomal SDF1 using SDF1 plasmid. Effects of Exo-SDF1 on cardiac function in MI mice were investigated in vivo. MSCs suppressed myocardial cell apoptosis and promoted microvascular regeneration of endothelial cells through secretion of exosomes. The addition of GW4869 led to increased apoptotic capacity of myocardial cells, decreased microvascular formation ability of endothelial cells, enhanced autophagy ability, and elevated Beclin-1 level as well as ratio of LC3II/LC3I. Overexpression of SDF1 and Exo-SDF1 inhibited apoptosis and autophagy of myocardial cells, but promoted tube formation of endothelial cells. The interference of PI3K signaling pathway promoted apoptosis and autophagy of myocardial cells, but inhibited tube formation of endothelial cells. SDF1 activated the PI3K signaling pathway. Exo-SDF1 protected cardiac function of MI mice and inhibited myocardial tissue damage. This study provided evidence that SDF1 overexpression in MSCs-derived exosomes inhibited autophagy of ischemic myocardial cells and promoted microvascular production of endothelial cells.     

Tubular cell-derived exosomal miR-150-5p contributes to renal fibrosis following unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating fibroblast in vitro and in vivo

Unilateral ischemia reperfusion injury (UIRI) with longer ischemia time is associated with an increased risk of acute renal injury and chronic kidney disease. Exosomes can transport lipid, protein, mRNA, and miRNA to corresponding target cells and mediate intercellular information exchange. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether exosome-derived miRNA mediates epithelial-mesenchymal cell communication relevant to renal fibrosis after UIRI. The secretion of exosomes increased remarkably in the kidney after UIRI and in rat renal tubular epithelium cells (NRK-52E) after hypoxia treatment. The inhibition of exosome secretion by Rab27a knockout or GW4869 treatment ameliorates renal fibrosis following UIRI in vivo. Purified exosomes from NRK-52E cells after hypoxia treatment could activate rat kidney fibroblasts (NRK-49F). The inhibition of exosome secretion in hypoxic NRK-52E cells through Rab27a knockdown or GW4869 treatment abolished NRK-49F cell activation. Interestingly, exosomal miRNA array analysis revealed that miR-150-5p expression was increased after hypoxia compared with the control group. The inhibition of exosomal miR-150-5p abolished the ability of hypoxic NRK-52E cells to promote NRK-49F cell activation in vitro, injections of miR-150-5p enriched exosomes from hypoxic NRK-52E cells aggravated renal fibrosis following UIRI, and renal fibrosis after UIRI was alleviated by miR-150-5p-deficient exosome in vivo. Furthermore, tubular cell-derived exosomal miR-150-5p could negatively regulate the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 to activate fibroblast. Thus, our results suggest that the blockade of exosomal miR-150-5p mediated tubular epithelial cell-fibroblast communication may provide a novel therapeutic target to prevents UIRI progression to renal fibrosis.     

Macrophage-derived exosomes mediate silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating fibroblast in an endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent manner

Macrophages play a key role in silicosis, and exosomes are potent mediators of intercellular communication. This suggests that macrophage-derived exosomes have a potential contribution to the pathogenesis of silicosis. To investigate whether macrophage-derived exosomes promote or inhibit lung fibrosis, in vitro, silica-exposed macrophage-derived exosomes (SiO₂-Exos) were collected and cocultured with fibroblasts. The expression of collagen I and α-SMA was evaluated. Furthermore, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers BIP, XBP1s and P-eIF2α were assessed after treatment with or without the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA. In vivo, mice were pre-treated with the exosome secretion inhibitor GW4869 prior to silica exposure. After sacrifice, lung tissues were histologically examined, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. The results showed that the expression of collagen I and α-SMA was up-regulated after treatment with SiO₂-Exos, accompanied by increased expression of BIP, XBP1s and P-eIF2α. Pre-treatment with 4-PBA reversed this effect. More importantly, an in vivo study demonstrated that pre-treatment with GW4869 decreased lung fibrosis and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in BALF. These results suggested that SiO₂-Exos are profibrogenic and that the facilitating effect is dependent on ER stress.     

Exosomes Released from Rabies Virus-Infected Cells May be Involved in the Infection Process

Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that are secreted by many eukaryotic cells. It has recently attracted attention as vehicles of intercellular communication. Virus-infected cells release exosomes, which contain viral proteins, RNA, and pathogenic molecules. However, the role of exosomes in virus infection process remains unclear and needs to be further investigated.In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of exosomes on rabies virus infection. OptiPrep~(TM) density gradient centrifugation was used to isolate exosomes from rabies virus-infected cell culture supernatants. A rabies virus G protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and acetylcholinesterase activity assays were performed to verify the centrifugation fractions. Exosomes were then characterized using transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. Our results showed that rabies virus infection increased the release of exosomes. Treatment with GW4869 and si-Rab27 a, two exosomal secretion inhibitors, inhibited exosome release. Furthermore, the inhibitors reduced the levels of extracellular and intracellular viral RNA. These data indicated that exosomes may participate in the viral infection process. Moreover, our results establish a basis for future research into the roles of exosomes in rabies virus infection and as potential targets for developing new antiviral strategies.     

Exosome‐mediated extracellular release of polyadenylate‐binding protein 1 in human metastatic duodenal cancer cells

Exosomes are small vesicles secreted from cells that transport their embedded molecules through bidirectional exocytosis‐ and endocytosis‐like pathways. Expression patterns of exosomal molecules such as proteins and RNAs can be indicative of cell type since their signature is thought to be unique among cells. Using human primary (AZ‐521) and metastatic (AZ‐P7a) duodenal cancer cell lines, we conducted a comparative exosomal proteome analysis to identify proteins with metastatic marker potential. As determined by LC‐MS/MS and Western blot analyses, polyadenylate‐binding protein 1 (PABP1) was found to be predominantly abundant in AZ‐P7a exosomes. The amount of exosomal PABP1 in AZ‐P7a cells increased by treating the cells with inhibitors for the classical ER/Golgi secretory pathway (brefeldin A and monensin) and the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway (MG‐132 and PYR‐41). Treatment of AZ‐P7a cells with the neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitor GW4869, which suppresses exosome release, not only reduced the amount of exosomal PABP1 but also produced PABP1‐immunoreactive products cleaved via a proteolysis‐like process. Taken together, these results suggest that AZ‐P7a cells do not tolerate intracellular PABP1 accumulation and are thus exported into the extracellular milieu by the exosome‐mediated pathway. In addition, PABP1 has a potential use as a biomarker for metastatic duodenal cancer.     

Drug-resistant endothelial cells facilitate progression,EMT and chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via exosomes

Recent antitumor drug development has included investigation of a wide variety of anti-angiogenesis therapies. Because cancer cells in tumors require new blood vessels to grow and spread, they stimulate capillary proliferation from existing vessels as well as new vessel formation from endothelial precursor cells. Our previous findings suggested that drug resistance in mouse endothelial cells supported tumor growth, but the relationship between endothelial cells (ECs) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells remained unclear. Exosomes are small membrane vesicles that are released by several cell types, including human microvascular ECs (HMECs). Exosomes carrying membrane and cytoplasmic constituents have been described as participants in a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell communication. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the interactions between HMECs and NPC cells. We found that drug-resistant HMECs secreted small heterogeneous 40–100 nm vesicles, defined as exosomes. Co-incubation of NPC cells with doxorubicin-resistant (R-DOX) HMEC-derived exosomes resulted in promotion of their proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance, as well as changes in the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. These effects were significantly inhibited by treatment with GW4869 (an exosome inhibitor). We also found that GW4869 inhibited the stimulation of drug-resistant HMECs on NPC progression by modulating EMT in vivo. These data suggest that exosomes participate in a novel mechanism by which drug-resistant ECs enhance NPC progression.     

Force-feeding malignant mesothelioma stem-cell like with exosome-delivered miR-126 induces tumour cell killing

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumour resistant to treatments. It has been postulated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) persist in tumours causing relapse after multimodality treatment. In the present study, a novel miRNA-based therapy approach is proposed. MPM-derived spheroids have been treated with exosome-delivered miR-126 (exo-miR) and evaluated for their anticancer effect. The exo-miR treatment increased MPM stem-cell like stemness and inhibited cell proliferation. However, at a prolonged time, the up taken miR-126 was released by the cells themselves through exosomes; the inhibition of exosome release by an exosome release inhibitor GW4869 induced miR-126 intracellular accumulation leading to massive cell death and in vivo tumour growth arrest. Autophagy is involved in these processes; miR-126 accumulation induced a protective autophagy and the inhibition of this process by GW4869 generates a metabolic crisis that promotes necroptosis, which was associated with PARP-1 over-expression and cyt-c and AIF release. Here, for the first time, we proposed a therapy against CSCs, a heterogeneous cell population involved in cancer development and relapse.     

Heparanase Regulates Secretion,Composition, and Function of Tumor Cell-derived Exosomes

Emerging evidence indicates that exosomes play a key role in tumor-host cross-talk and that exosome secretion, composition, and functional capacity are altered as tumors progress to an aggressive phenotype. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms that regulate these changes. Heparanase is an enzyme whose expression is up-regulated as tumors become more aggressive and is associated with enhanced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. We have discovered that in human cancer cells (myeloma, lymphoblastoid, and breast cancer), when expression of heparanase is enhanced or when tumor cells are exposed to exogenous heparanase, exosome secretion is dramatically increased. Heparanase enzyme activity is required for robust enhancement of exosome secretion because enzymatically inactive forms of heparanase, even when present in high amounts, do not dramatically increase exosome secretion. Heparanase also impacts exosome protein cargo as reflected by higher levels of syndecan-1, VEGF, and hepatocyte growth factor in exosomes secreted by heparanase-high expressing cells as compared with heparanase-low expressing cells. In functional assays, exosomes from heparanase-high cells stimulated spreading of tumor cells on fibronectin and invasion of endothelial cells through extracellular matrix better than did exosomes secreted by heparanase-low cells. These studies reveal that heparanase helps drive exosome secretion, alters exosome composition, and facilitates production of exosomes that impact both tumor and host cell behavior, thereby promoting tumor progression.