Know thy neighbor: stromal cells can contribute oncogenic signals

Although the stroma within carcinogenic lesions is known to be supportive and responsive to tumors, new data increasingly show that the stroma also has a more active, oncogenic role in tumorigenesis. Stromal cells and their products can transform adjacent tissues in the absence of pre-existing tumor cells by inciting phenotypic and genomic changes in the epithelial cells. The oncogenic action of distinctive stromal components has been demonstrated through a variety of approaches, which provide clues about the cellular pathways involved.     

Breast cancer-derived exosomes: Tumor progression and therapeutic agents

Tumor cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) for intercellular communication. EVs by transporting different proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids contribute to affect target cell function and fate. ‎EVs which originate directly from multivesicular bodies so-called exosomes have dramatically fascinated the attention of researchers owing to their ‎pivotal roles in the tumorigenesis. Breast cancer, arising from milk-producing cells, is the most identified cancer among women and has become the leading cause of cancer-related death in women globally. Although different therapies are applied to eliminate breast tumor cells, however, the efficient therapy and survival rate of patients remain challenges. Growing evidence ‎shows exosomes from breast cancer cells contribute to proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and also radioresistance and, thus carcinogenesis. Additionally, these exosomes may serve as a cancer treatment tool because they are a good candidate for cancer diagnosis (as biomarker) and therapy (as drug-carrier). Despite recent development in the biology of tumor-derived exosomes, the detailed mechanism of tumorigenesis, and exosome-based cancer-therapy remain still indefinable. Here, we discuss the key function of breast cancer-derived exosomes in tumorgenesis and shed light on the possible clinical application of these exosomes in breast cancer treatment.     

The potential role of exosomes derived from ovarian cancer cells for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Most patients with ovarian cancer (OC) are diagnosed at the advanced stages due to the absence of appropriate early diagnostic markers. Thus, OC is a gynecological disease with a low-survival rate. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are widely being considered as mediators for the noninvasive diagnosis of OC. Exosomes are expected to aid in the effective diagnosis of OC because they carry components, such as RNAs, proteins, and lipids, the compositions of which vary depending on the pathological characteristics of the patient. In this review, we document the methods that have been developed to detect exosomes and their components in OC. We also assess the potential biomarkers contained in exosomes that could be clinically useful, such as proteins, microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and phospholipids. Moreover, we described the role played by exosomes in the tumor microenvironment and in OC angiogenesis, migration, and tumor growth. Various types of cells in the tumor microenvironment, including macrophages, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), interact directly with exosomes and promote or inhibit the progression of OC. Therefore, we summarize the studies that have suggested a therapeutic approach to OC using exosomes. Collectively, understanding the mechanism of exosome-based OC progression would broaden our knowledge regarding the diagnosis and therapy of OC.     

MicroRNA and exosome: Key players in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known as one of important autoimmune disorders which can lead to joint pain and damage throughout body. Given that internal (ie, genetic and epigenetic alterations) and external factors (ie, lifestyle changes, age, hormones, smoking, stress, and obesity) involved in RA pathogenesis. Increasing evidence indicated that cellular and molecular alterations play critical roles in the initiation and progression of RA. Among various targets and molecular signaling pathways, microRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory networks have key roles in the RA pathogenesis. It has been showed that deregulation of many miRNAs involved in different stages of RA. Hence, identification of miRNAs and their signaling pathways in RA, could contribute to new knowledge which help to better treatment of patients with RA. Besides miRNAs, exosomes have been emerged as key messengers in RA pathogenesis. Exsosomes are nanocarriers which could be released from various cells and lead to changing of behaviors recipient cells via targeting their cargos (eg, proteins, messenger RNAs, miRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, DNAs). Here, we summarized several miRNAs involved in RA pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted the roles of exosomes in RA pathogenesis.     

Roles of mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by several symptoms of higher sensitivity of the lower urinary tract, such as bladder pain/discomfort, urgency, urinary frequency, pelvic pain and nocturia. Although the pathophysiology of IC/BPS is not fully understood, the hypothesis suggests that mast cell activation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer defects, urothelium permeability disruption, inflammation, autoimmune disorder and infection are potential mechanisms. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proven to protect against tissue injury in IC/BPS by migrating into bladders, differentiating into key bladder cells, inhibiting mast cell accumulation and cellular apoptosis, inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, alleviating collagen fibre accumulation and enhancing tissue regeneration in bladder tissues. In addition, MSCs can protect against tissue injury in IC/BPS by secreting various soluble factors, including exosomes and other soluble factors, with antiapoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties in a cell‐to‐cell independent manner. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the current potential pathophysiological mechanisms and standard treatments of IC/BPS, and we discussed the potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of MSCs and MSC‐derived exosomes in alleviating tissue injury in IC/BPS models.     

Advances on liver cell-derived exosomes in liver diseases

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with diameters ranging from 30 to 150 nm, which contain several donor cell-associated proteins as well as mRNA, miRNA, and lipids and coordinate multiple physiological and pathological functions through horizontal communication between cells. Almost all types of liver cells, such as hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, are exosome-releasing and/or exosome-targeted cells. Exosomes secreted by liver cells play an important role in regulating general physiological functions and also participate in the onset and development of liver diseases, including liver cancer, liver injury, liver fibrosis and viral hepatitis. Liver cell-derived exosomes carry liver cell-specific proteins and miRNAs, which can be used as diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets of liver disease. This review discusses the functions of exosomes derived from different liver cells and provides novel insights based on the latest developments regarding the roles of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.     

Anchorage-independent growth of breast carcinoma cells is mediated by serum exosomes

We hereby report studies that suggest a role for serum exosomes in the anchorage-independent growth (AIG) of tumor cells. In AIG assays, fetal bovine serum is one of the critical ingredients. We therefore purified exosomes from fetal bovine serum and examined their potential to promote growth of breast carcinoma cells in soft agar and Matrigel after reconstituting them into growth medium (EEM). In all the assays, viable colonies were formed only in the presence of exosomes. Some of the exosomal proteins we identified, have been documented by others and could be considered exosomal markers. Labeled purified exosomes were up-taken by the tumor cells, a process that could be competed out with excess unlabeled vesicles. Our data also suggested that once endocytosed by a cell, the exosomes could be recycled back to the conditioned medium from where they can be up-taken by other cells. We also demonstrated that low concentrations of exosomes activate MAP kinases, suggesting a mechanism by which they maintain the growth of the tumor cells in soft agar. Taken together, our data demonstrate that serum exosomes form a growth promoting platform for AIG of tumor cells and may open a new vista into cancer cell growth in vivo.     

The proteomics of prostate cancer exosomes

Exosomes and other microvesicles are emerging as rich reservoirs of tumor-specific proteins and biomarkers for cancer detection and progression. For prostate cancer, exosomes secreted by the prostate can be isolated from prostatic secretions, seminal fluid, tissue, urine or blood for further proteomic analysis. Structurally, prostate-derived exosomes are distinct in size, membrane composition and specific prostate protein content, potentially providing a novel and easily isolatable source of biomarkers from clinical biofluids. The key to these isolation strategies will be the targeting of specific prostatic proteins expressed in these exosomes, thus requiring detailed proteomic characterizations. A summary of ongoing efforts to characterize the proteome of these unique prostate cancer-associated exosomes and their potential applications for use in biomarker assays is presented.     

MiR-20a-containing exosomes from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proved to exert considerable therapeutic effects on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of MSCs-derived exosome reinforced with miR-20a in reversing liver I/R injury. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and IHC were carried out to compare the differential expressions of miR-20a, Beclin-I, FAS, Caspase-3, mTOR and P62 in IR rats and normal rats. TUNEL was performed to assess IR-induced apoptosis in IR rats, and luciferase assay was used to confirm the inhibitory effect of miR-20a on Beclin-I and FAS expression. Among the 12 candidate microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-486, miR-25, miR-24, miR-20a,miR-466 and miR-433-3p were significantly downregulated in I/R. In particular, miR-20a, a miRNA highly expressed in umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, was proved to bind to the 3ʹ UTR of Beclin-I and FAS to exert an inhibitory effect on their expressions. Since Beclin-I and FAS were aberrantly upregulated in IR, exosomes separated from UC-MSCs showed therapeutic efficacy in reversing I/R induced apoptosis. In addition, exosomes reinforced with miR-20a and separated from UC-MSCs almost fully alleviated I/R injury. Furthermore, our results showed that miR-20a could alleviate the abnormal expression of genes related to apoptosis and autophagy, such as active Caspase-3, mTOR, P62, and LC3II. This study presented detailed evidence to clarify the mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy of UC-MSCs in the treatment of I/R injury.     

Therapeutic use of curcumin-encapsulated and curcumin-primed exosomes

Curcumin, the bioactive pigment of turmeric which has polyphenolic-hydrophobic components, has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, due to its insignificant intestinal-liver metabolism, low stability, quick systemic elimination and its hydrophobic property with low solubility, curcumin has limited bioavailability. Exosomes are nanovesicles (30–100 nm) released from diverse cell types into extracellular and, ultimately, into bio-fluids in a tightly regulated manner. Exosomes are capable of transferring lipids, proteins, RNAs and DNAs, both with and without direct cell-to-cell contact. Curcumin-encapsulated exosomes are highly bioavailable, soluble and safe, and can reach high concentrations in the blood; they, therefore, have therapeutic potential without toxic effects and immune stimulation. Thus, curcumin-encapsulated exosomes could be superior to other synthetic nanoparticles as a carrier of curcumin. The aim of the current review is to offer an overview of the in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies pertaining to the role of curcumin-primed and curcumin-encapsulated exosomes in the treatment of cancer, oxidative stress, brain disorders, cholesterol, and endothelial dysfunction.     

外泌体在肝纤维化中的作用

外泌体(exosomes)是一种能被大多数细胞分泌的微小膜泡,是具有脂质双层膜结构的细胞外囊泡。现认为外泌体是细胞外囊泡(extracellular vesicles, EVs)的一种亚群。研究表明,外泌体是细胞间信息传递的一种载体。肝脏既可以分泌外泌体,同时也是其他组织细胞产生的外泌体的作用靶点,且肝内与肝外来源的外泌体与肝纤维化的形成、发生、发展均有密切联系。本文主要就外泌体在肝纤维化相关疾病中的作用及外泌体与肝纤维化指标之间的关系进行综述。     

Monophosphoryl lipid A alleviated radiation-induced testicular injury through TLR4-dependent exosomes

Radiation protection on male testis is an important task for ionizing radiation-related workers or people who receive radiotherapy for tumours near the testicle. In recent years, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), especially TLR4, have been widely studied as a radiation protection target. In this study, we detected that a low-toxicity TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) produced obvious radiation protection effects on mice testis. We found that MPLA effectively alleviated testis structure damage and cell apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation (IR). However, as the expression abundance differs a lot in distinct cells and tissues, MPLA seemed not to directly activate TLR4 singling pathway in mice testis. Here, we demonstrated a brand new mechanism for MPLA producing radiation protection effects on testis. We observed a significant activation of TLR4 pathway in macrophages after MPLA stimulation and identified significant changes in macrophage-derived exosomes protein expression. We proved that after MPLA treatment, macrophage-derived exosomes played an important role in testis radiation protection, and specially, G-CSF and MIP-2 in exosomes are the core molecules in this protection effect.     

Immune-related microRNAs are abundant in breast milk exosomes

Breast milk is a complex liquid rich in immunological components that affect the development of the infant's immune system. Exosomes are membranous vesicles of endocytic origin that are found in various body fluids and that can mediate intercellular communication. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a well-defined group of non-coding small RNAs, are packaged inside exosomes in human breast milk. Here, we identified 602 unique miRNAs originating from 452 miRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs) in human breast milk exosomes using deep sequencing technology. We found that, out of 87 well-characterized immune-related pre-miRNAs, 59 (67.82%) are presented and enriched in breast milk exosomes (P < 10(-16), χ(2) test). In addition, compared with exogenous synthetic miRNAs, these endogenous immune-related miRNAs are more resistant to relatively harsh conditions. It is, therefore, tempting to speculate that these exosomal miRNAs are transferred from the mother's milk to the infant via the digestive tract, and that they play a critical role in the development of the infant immune system.     

Acridine Orange/exosomes increase the delivery and the effectiveness of Acridine Orange in human melanoma cells: A new prototype for theranostics of tumors

Specifically targeted drug delivery systems with low immunogenicity and toxicity are deemed to increase efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. Acridine Orange (AO) is an acidophilic dye with a strong tumoricidal action following excitation with a light source at 466?nm. However, to date the clinical use of AO is limited by the potential side effects elicited by systemic administration. The endogenous nanocarrier exosomes have been recently introduced as a natural delivery system for therapeutic molecules. In this article, we show the outcome of the administration to human melanoma cells of AO charged Exosomes (Exo-AO), in both monolayer and spheroid models. The results showed an extended drug delivery time of Exo-AO to melanoma cells as compared to the free AO, improving the cytotoxicity of AO. This study shows that Exo-AO have a great potential for a real exploitation as a new theranostic approach against tumors based on AO delivered through the exosomes.     

BCR-bound antigen is targeted to exosomes in human follicular lymphoma B-cells

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Exosomes are small membrane vesicles secreted by several cell types during exocytic fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. Exosomes from tumour cells can transfer antigens from cell to cell, a property favouring antigen-specific immune responses in vitro and in vivo, and are thus an interesting putative therapeutic tool in human cancers. Exosomes have been well studied in EBV (Epstein-Barr virus)-transformed human B-cell lines; however, biological stimuli regulating exosome secretion quantitatively and/or qualitatively still remain poorly defined. RESULTS: We analysed the effect of the BCR stimulation on exosome release in the human follicular lymphoma B-cell line DOHH2. We found that BCR (B-cell receptor) triggering of DOHH2 cells induced the polarization of CD63(+) MHC class II compartments. Moreover, BCR stimulation increased the release of exosome-associated proteins in the extracellular space. Finally, we found that the BCR was expressed at the surface of exosomes, and could target a bound anti-human IgG to these vesicles. CONCLUSIONS: BCR can modulate the protein content of exosomes upon stimulation, and can target its bound antigen to these vesicles.     

The biogenesis and functions of exosomes

Exosomes are membrane vesicles with a diameter of 40–100 nm that are secreted by many cell types into the extracellular milieu. They correspond to the internal vesicles of an endosomal compartment, the multivesicular body and are released upon exocytic fusion of this organelle with the plasma membrane. Intracellularly, they are formed by inward budding of the endosomal membrane in a process that sequesters particular proteins and lipids. The unique composition of exosomes may confer specific functions on them upon secretion. Although their physiological role in vivo is far from being unraveled, it is apparent that they function in a multitude of processes, including intercellular communication during the immune response. Exosomes may have evolved early in the evolution of multicellular organisms and also seem to be important for tissue developmental processes.