Monocyte derived large extracellular vesicles in polytrauma.

Despite significant progress in the medical field, there is still a pressing need for minimal-invasive tools to assist with decision-making, especially in cases of polytrauma. Our team explored the potential of serum-derived large extracellular vesicles, so called microparticles/microvesicles/ectosomes, to serve as a supportive tool in decision-making in polytrauma situations. We focused on whether monocyte derived large EVs may differentiate between polytrauma patients with internal organ injury (ISS > 15) and those without. Thus, we compared our EV data to soluble biomarkers such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8). From the blood of 25 healthy and 26 patients with polytrauma large EVs were isolated, purified, and characterized. TNF alpha and IL-8 levels were quantified. We found that levels of these monocyte derived large EVs were significantly higher in polytrauma patients with internal organ damage and correlated with the ISS. Interestingly, we also observed a decline in AnnV+CD14+ large EVs during normal recovery after trauma. Thus, inflammatory serological markers as TNF alpha and as IL-8 demonstrated an inability to discriminate between polytrauma patients with or without internal organ damage, such as spleen, kidney, or liver lacerations/ruptures. However, TNF and IL-8 levels were elevated in polytrauma cases overall when contrasted with healthy non-traumatic controls. These findings suggest that delving deeper into the potential of AnnV+ large EVs derived from monocytes could highly beneficial in the managment of polytrauma, potentially surpassing the efficacy of commonly used serum markers.

Human mesenchymal stem cells-derived microvesicles increase oligodendrogenesis and neurogenesis of cultured adult neural stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are involved in tissue repair and anti-inflammatory activities and have shown promising therapeutic efficiency in different animal models of neurodegenerative disorders. Microvesicles (MVs), implicated in cellular communication, are secreted from MSCs and play a key role in determining the fate of cell differentiation. Our study examines the effect of human umbilical cord MSC-derived MVs (hUC-MSC MVs) on the proliferation and differentiation potential of adult neural stem cells (NSCs). Results showed that 0.2 µg MSC derived MVs significantly increased the viability of NSCs and their proliferation, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of neurospheres and their derived cells, compared to controls. In addition, all hUC-MSC MVs concentrations (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 µg) induced the differentiation of NSCs toward precursors (Olig2 + ) and mature oligodendrocytes (MBP+). This increase in mature oligodendrocytes was inversely proportional to the dose of MVs. Moreover, hUC-MSC MVs induced the differentiation of NSCs into neurons (ß-tubulin + ), in a dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on astrocytes (GFAP+). Furthermore, treatment of NSCs with hUC-MSC MVs (0.1 and 0.2 µg) significantly increased the expression levels of the proliferation marker Ki67 gene, compared to controls. Finally, hUC-MSC MVs (0.1 µg) significantly increased the expression level of Sox10 transcripts; but not Pax6 gene, demonstrating an increased NSC ability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, our study showed that hUC-MSC MVs increased NSC proliferation in vitro and induced NSC differentiation into oligodendrocytes and neurons, but not astrocytes.

Exploring Salivary Biomarkers for Tumor Diagnosis: A Narrative Review.

A promising method for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and prognosis is through salivary biomarkers. By utilizing the distinct characteristics of saliva and the progress made in biomarker studies, these markers provide more accurate diagnoses for a wider range of malignancies. An attempt was made to thoroughly investigate the field of salivary biomarkers for tumor prognosis and diagnosis, with an emphasis on their use in various cancer forms. Predetermined search criteria were utilized for a systematic search across numerous databases for peer-reviewed papers from 2009 to 2021. Studies concentrating on the detection, validation, and clinical use of salivary biomarkers for different types of cancers were included in the inclusion criteria. Initially, 238 articles were found, of which 15 relevant articles satisfied the inclusion requirements. Information on study aims, methodology, findings, and conclusions were gathered for data extraction. We identified recurrent themes, patterns, and contradictions by a thematic analysis. We also assessed state-of-the-art salivary biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. One major finding is the identification of biomolecules in saliva linked to several cancer forms, including pancreatic, oral, breast, lung, and stomach cancers. There is an increasing amount of evidence demonstrating the value of saliva-based diagnostics in oncology. This is due to new detection methods and developments in salivary proteomics and genomics. Identification of exosomes and microvesicles as salivary biomarker profiles offered molecular understandings of the etiology and evolution of cancer, thereby opening new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Salivary biomarkers are a non-invasive approach for the early detection and prediction of cancer, thanks to the unique properties of saliva and advancements in biomarker research. This potential revolution could enhance patient outcomes and reduce cancer-related deaths.

Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Crohn's Patients on Adalimumab Who Received COVID-19 Vaccination.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the gastrointestinal tract that can also cause extra-intestinal complications. Following exposure to the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein, some patients experienced a lack of response to the biological drug Adalimumab and a recrudescence of the disease. In CD patients in progression, resistant to considered biological therapy, an abnormal increase in intestinal permeability was observed, more often with a modulated expression of different proteins such as Aquaporin 8 (AQP8) and in tight junctions (e.g., ZO-1, Claudin1, Claudin2, Occludin), especially during disease flares. The aim of this study is to investigate how the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could interfere with IBD therapy and contribute to disease exacerbation. We investigated the role of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs), and the impact of various EVs components, namely, exosomes (EXOs) and microvesicles (MVs), in modulating the expression of molecules involved in the exacerbation of CD, which remains unknown.

Evaluation of circulating microvesicles and their procoagulant activity in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Several pathological conditions trigger the formation of microvesicles (MVs), including infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The shedding of MVs increases the levels of inflammatory factors (e.g., interleukin-6; IL-6) and ultimately leads to an inflammatory cascade response, while also increasing the procoagulant response. The current study aimed to evaluate the level of circulating MVs and their procoagulant activity as well as the serum level of IL-6 in patients with COVID-19 and healthy controls. In this case-control study, 65 patients with COVID-19 and 30 healthy individuals were sampled after obtaining written informed consent. MVs counting was measured using conjugated CD61, CD45, CD235a, and Annexin-V antibodies. Additionally, the procoagulant activity of MVs and the IL-6 level were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The majority of MVs were platelet-derived MVs (PMVs). Patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of MVs, procoagulant MVs, and IL-6 compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). MVs were significantly correlated with procoagulant MVs, D-Dimer levels, fibrinogen, and IL-6, but not with platelet, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of procoagulant MVs and their association with inflammatory and coagulation markers in patients with COVID-19 are suggested as a novel circulatory biomarker to evaluate and predict the procoagulant activity and severity of COVID-19.

Extracellular vesicles at the crossroad between cancer progression and immunotherapy: focus on dendritic cells.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized heat-stable vesicles released by virtually all cells in the body, including tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs). By carrying molecules from originating cells, EVs work as cell-to-cell communicators in both homeostasis and cancer but may also represent valuable therapeutic and diagnostic tools. This review focuses on the role of tumor-derived EVs (TEVs) in the modulation of DC functions and on the therapeutic potential of both tumor- and DC-derived EVs in the context of immunotherapy and DC-based vaccine design. TEVs were originally characterized for their capability to transfer tumor antigens to DCs but are currently regarded as mainly immunosuppressive because of the expression of DC-inhibiting molecules such as PD-L1, HLA-G, PGE2 and others. However, TEVs may still represent a privileged system to deliver antigenic material to DCs upon appropriate engineering to reduce their immunosuppressive cargo or increase immunogenicity. DC-derived EVs are more promising than tumor-derived EVs since they expose antigen-loaded MHC, costimulatory molecules and NK cell-activating ligands in the absence of an immunosuppressive cargo. Moreover, DC-derived EVs possess several advantages as compared to cell-based drugs such as a higher antigen/MHC concentration and ease of manipulation and a lower sensitivity to immunosuppressive microenvironments. Preclinical models showed that DC-derived EVs efficiently activate tumor-specific NK and T cell responses either directly or indirectly by transferring antigens to tumor-infiltrating DCs. By contrast, however, phase I and II trials showed a limited clinical efficacy of EV-based anticancer vaccines. We discuss that the future of EV-based therapy depends on our capability to overcome major challenges such as a still incomplete understanding of their biology and pharmacokinetic and the lack of standardized methods for high-throughput isolation and purification. Despite this, EVs remain in the limelight as candidates for cancer immunotherapy which may outmatch cell-based strategies in the fullness of their time.

Mitochondrial DNA-boosted dendritic cell-based nanovaccination triggers antitumor immunity in lung and pancreatic cancers.

Low migratory dendritic cell (DC) levels pose a challenge in cancer immune surveillance, yet their impact on tumor immune status and immunotherapy responses remains unclear. We present clinical evidence linking reduced migratory DC levels to immune-cold tumor status, resulting in poor patient outcomes. To address this, we develop an autologous DC-based nanovaccination strategy using patient-derived organoid or cancer cell lysate-pulsed cationic nanoparticles (cNPs) to load immunogenic DC-derived microvesicles (cNPcancer cell@MVDC). This approach transforms immune-cold tumors, increases migratory DCs, activates T cells and natural killer cells, reduces tumor growth, and enhances survival in orthotopic pancreatic and lung cancer models, surpassing conventional methods. In vivo imaging reveals superior cNPcancer cell@MVDC accumulation in tumors and lymph nodes, promoting immune cell infiltration. Mechanistically, cNPs enrich mitochondrial DNA, enhancing cGAS-STING-mediated DC activation and migration. Our strategy shifts cold tumors to a hot state, enhancing antitumor immunity for potential personalized cancer treatments.

Efficacy of stem cells versus microvesicles in ameliorating chronic renal injury in rats (histological and biochemical study).

Chronic exposure to heavy metals as aluminum chloride (AlCl3) could result in severe health hazards such as chronic renal injury. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) in comparison to their microvesicles (MV) in AlCl3-induced chronic renal injury. Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control group, AlCl3-treated group, AlCl3/ASC-treated group, and AlCl3/MV-treated group. Biochemical studies included estimation of serum urea and creatinine levels, oxidative biomarkers assay, antioxidant biomarkers, serum cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-33), real time-PCR analysis of renal tissue MALT1, TNF-α, IL-6, and serum miR-150-5p expression levels. Histopathological studies included light and electron microscopes examination of renal tissue, Mallory trichrome stain for fibrosis, Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stain for histochemical detection of carbohydrates, and immunohistochemical detection of Caspase-3 as apoptosis marker, IL-1B as a proinflammatory cytokine and CD40 as a marker of MVs. AlCl3 significantly deteriorated kidney function, enhanced renal MDA and TOS, and serum cytokines concentrations while decreased the antioxidant parameters (SOD, GSH, and TAC). Moreover, serum IL-10, TNF-α, miR-150-5p, and renal MALT1 expression values were significantly higher than other groups. Kidney sections showed marked histopathological damage in both renal cortex and medulla in addition to enhanced apoptosis and increased inflammatory cytokines immunoexpression than other groups. Both ASCs and MVs administration ameliorated the previous parameters levels with more improvement was detected in MVs-treated group. In conclusion: ASCs-derived MVs have a promising ameliorating effect on chronic kidney disease.

Deciphering m6A methylation in monocyte-mediated cardiac fibrosis and monocyte-hitchhiked erythrocyte microvesicle biohybrid therapy.

Rationale: Device implantation frequently triggers cardiac remodeling and fibrosis, with monocyte-driven inflammatory responses precipitating arrhythmias. This study investigates the role of m6A modification enzymes METTL3 and METTL14 in these responses and explores a novel therapeutic strategy targeting these modifications to mitigate cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from patients with ventricular septal defects (VSD) who developed conduction blocks post-occluder implantation. The expression of METTL3 and METTL14 in PBMCs was measured. METTL3 and METTL14 deficiencies were induced to evaluate their effect on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. m6A modifications were analyzed using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative PCR. NF-κB pathway activity and levels of monocyte migration and fibrogenesis markers (CXCR2 and TGF-ß1) were assessed. An erythrocyte microvesicle-based nanomedicine delivery system was developed to target activated monocytes, utilizing the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457. Cardiac function was evaluated via echocardiography. Results: Significant upregulation of METTL3 and METTL14 was observed in PBMCs from patients with VSD occluder implantation-associated persistent conduction block. Deficiencies in METTL3 and METTL14 significantly reduced Ang II-induced myocardial inflammation and fibrosis by decreasing m6A modification on MyD88 and TGF-ß1 mRNAs. This disruption reduced NF-κB pathway activation, lowered CXCR2 and TGF-ß1 levels, attenuated monocyte migration and fibrogenesis, and alleviated cardiac remodeling. The erythrocyte microvesicle-based nanomedicine delivery system effectively targeted inflamed cardiac tissue, reducing inflammation and fibrosis and improving cardiac function. Conclusion: Inhibiting METTL3 and METTL14 in monocytes disrupts the NF-κB feedback loop, decreases monocyte migration and fibrogenesis, and improves cardiac function. Targeting m6A modifications of monocytes with STM2457, delivered via erythrocyte microvesicles, reduces inflammation and fibrosis, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiac remodeling associated with device implantation.

Tetranuclear Polypyridylruthenium(II) Complexes as Selective Nucleic Acid Stains for Flow Cytometric Analysis of Monocytic and Epithelial Lung Carcinoma Large Extracellular Vesicles.

Selective staining of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a major challenge for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Herein, the EV labeling properties of a new class of tetranuclear polypyridylruthenium(II) complexes, Rubb7-TNL and Rubb7-TL, as phosphorescent stains are described. These new stains have many advantages over standard stains to detect and characterize EVs, including: high specificity for EV staining versus cell staining; high phosphorescence yields; photostability; and a lack of leaching from EVs until incorporation with target cells. As an example of their utility, large EVs released from control (basal) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells were studied as a model of immune system EVs released during bacterial infection. Key findings from EV staining combined with flow cytometry were as follows: (i) LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells generated significantly larger and more numerous large EVs, as compared with those from unstimulated cells; (ii) EVs retained native EV physical properties after staining; and (iii) the new stains selectively differentiated intact large EVs from artificial liposomes, which are models of cell membrane fragments or other lipid-containing debris, as well as distinguished two distinct subpopulations of monocytic EVs within the same experiment, as a result of biochemical differences between unstimulated and LPS-stimulated monocytes. Comparatively, the staining patterns of A549 epithelial lung carcinoma-derived EVs closely resembled those of THP-1 cell line-derived EVs, which highlighted similarities in their selective staining despite their distinct cellular origins. This is consistent with the hypothesis that these new phosphorescent stains target RNA within the EVs.

Effect of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles on the apoptosis of the multiple myeloma cell line U266.

BACKGROUND: Microvesicles are membraned particles produced by different types of cells recently investigated for anticancer purposes. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles (BMSC-MVs) on the multiple myeloma cell line U266. BMSC-MVs were isolated from BMSCs via ultracentrifugation and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). U266 cells were treated with 15, 30, 60, and 120 µg/mL BMSC-MVs for three and seven days and the effects of treatment in terms of viability, cytotoxicity, and DNA damage were investigated via the MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and 8­hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8­OHdG) measurement, respectively. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of the U266 cells treated with 60 µg/mL BMSC-MVs was also assessed seven days following treatment via flow cytometry. Ultimately, the expression level of BCL2, BAX, and CCND1 by the U266 cells was examined seven days following treatment with 60 µg/mL BMSC-MVs using qRT-PCR. RESULTS: BMSC-MVs had an average size of ~ 410 nm. According to the MTT and LDH assays, BMSC-MV treatment reduced the U266 cell viability and mediated cytotoxic effects against them, respectively. Moreover, elevated 8­OHdG levels following BMSC-MV treatment demonstrated a dose-dependent increase of DNA damage in the treated cells. BMSC-MV-treated U266 cells also exhibited an increased apoptosis rate after seven days of treatment. The expression level of BCL2 and CCND1 decreased in the treated cells whereas the BAX expression demonstrated an incremental pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings accentuate the therapeutic benefit of BMSC-MVs against the multiple myeloma cell line U266 and demonstrate how microvesicles could be of therapeutic advantage. Future in vivo studies could further corroborate these findings.

Microvesicles-delivering Smad7 have advantages over microvesicles in suppressing fibroblast differentiation in a model of Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the differences of microvesicles (MVs) and microvesicles-delivering Smad7 (Smad7-MVs) on macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation in a model of Peyronie's disease (PD). METHODS: Overexpression of Smad7 in rat BMSCs was obtained by pCMV5-Smad7 transfection. MVs were collected from rat BMSCs using ultracentrifugation. In cells, 100 µg/mL of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the 100 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells or 10 ng/mL of recombinant transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)-induced fibroblasts. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of M1 macrophages were measured in RAW264.7 cells, and the migration and markers of fibroblast differentiation were measured in fibroblasts. In rats, 50 µg of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the TGF-ß1-induced animals. The pathology of tunica albuginea (TA), the markers of M1 macrophages and fibroblast differentiation in the TA were measured. RESULTS: The MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization and TGF-ß1-induced fibroblast differentiation. Moreover, the Smad7-MVs treatment decreased the fibroblast differentiation compared with the MVs treatment. In the TGF-ß1-induced TA of rats, MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment ameliorated the TA fibrosis by suppressing the macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation. There was no significance on the M1-polarized macrophages between the MVs treatment and the Smad7-MVs treatment. Meanwhile, the Smad7-MVs treatment had an edge in terms of suppressing the fibroblast differentiation in the TGF-ß1-induced PD model compared with the MVs treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that Smad7-MVs treatment had advantages over MVs treatment in suppressing of fibroblast differentiation in a model of PD.

Endothelial dysfunction and complement activation are independently associated with disease duration in patients with systemic vasculitis.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic vasculitis is a heterogenous group of autoimmune diseases characterized by enhanced cardiovascular mortality. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with accelerated vascular damage, representing a core pathophysiologic mechanism contributing to excess CV risk. Recent studies have also shown that complement activation holds significant role in the pathogenesis of Anti-Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Autoantibody (ANCA) -associated vasculitis (AAV). Given the potential crosstalk between the endothelium and complement, we aimed to assess, for the first time simultaneously, easily accessible biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and complement activation in SV. METHODS: We measured circulating endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) and soluble complement components representative of alternative, classical and terminal activation (C5b-9, C1q, Bb fragments, respectively) in a meticulously selected group of patients with systemic vasculitis, but without cardiovascular disease. Individuals free from systemic diseases, who were matched with patients for cardiovascular risk factors(hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia), comprised the control group. RESULTS: We studied 60 individuals (30 in each group). Patients with systemic vasculitis had elevated EMVs, higher levels of C5b-9 [536.4(463.4) vs 1200.94457.3), p = 0.003] and C1q [136.2(146.5 vs 204.2(232.9), p = 0.0129], compared to controls [232.0 (243.5) vs 139.3(52.1), p < 0.001]. In multivariate analysis both EMVs and C5b-9 were independently associated with disease duration (p = 0.005 and p = 0.004 respectively), yet not with disease activity. CONCLUSION: Patients with systemic vasculitis exhibit impaired endothelial function and complement activation, both assessed by easily accessible biomarkers, even in the absence of cardiovascular disease manifestations. EMVs and soluble complement components such as C5b-9 and C1q could be used as early biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and complement activation, respectively, in clinical practice during the course of SV, yet their predictive value in terms of future cardiovascular disease warrants further verification in appropriately designed studies.

Precision Oncology: Circulating Microvesicles as New Biomarkers in a Very Early Stage of Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The release of microvesicles (MVs) is an essential phenomenon for inter-cellular signaling in health and disease. The role of MVs in cancer is multidimensional and includes cancer cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. In this prospective study, we analyzed MV levels in colorectal cancer patients and assessed the importance of MV release in early-stage colorectal cancer and survival. METHODS: This study included 98 patients and 15 controls. The characterization of MVs from human plasma was performed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: The levels of total MVs and MUC-1-positive, tissue factor (TF)-positive, and endothelial cell-derived MVs (EMVs) were statistically significantly higher in the colon cancer patients than in the controls (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the subgroup of patients with very early-stage colorectal cancer also had statistically significant differences in the levels of the abovementioned MVs compared to the controls (p < 0.01). Highly differentiated tumors had lower levels of MUC-1-positive MVs (p < 0.02), EMVs (p < 0.002), and EMV/TF combinations (p < 0.001) versus those with tumors with low/intermediate differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the analysis of circulating MV levels in plasma could possibly become a tool for the early diagnosis of colon cancer at a very early stage of the disease.

Selective but not pan-CDK inhibition abrogates 5-FU-driven tissue factor upregulation in colon cancer.

Thromboembolic events are complications in cancer patients and hypercoagulability has been linked to the tissue factor (TF) pathway, making this an attractive target. Here, we investigated the effects of chemotherapeutics and CDK inhibitors (CDKI) abemaciclib/palbociclib (CDK4/6), THZ-1 (CDK7/12/13), and dinaciclib (CDK1/2/5/9) alone and in combination regimens on TF abundance and coagulation. The human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line HROC173 was treated with 5-FU or gemcitabine to stimulate TF expression. TF+ cells were sorted, recultured, and re-analyzed. The effect of treatment alone or in combination was assessed by functional assays. Low-dose chemotherapy induced a hypercoagulable state and significantly upregulated TF, even after reculture without treatment. Cells exhibited characteristics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, including high expression of vimentin and mucin. Dinaciclib and THZ-1 also upregulated TF, while abemaciclib and palbociclib downregulated it. Similar results were observed in coagulation assays. The same anticoagulant activity of abemaciclib was seen after incubation with peripheral immune cells from healthy donors and CRC patients. Abemaciclib reversed 5-FU-induced TF upregulation and prolonged clotting times in second-line treatment. Effects were independent of cytotoxicity, senescence, and p27kip1 induction. TF-antibody blocking experiments confirmed the importance of TF in plasma coagulation, with Factor XII playing a minor role. Short-term abemaciclib counteracts 5-FU-induced hypercoagulation and eventually even prevents thromboembolic events.

Pulsed electric field induces exocytosis and overexpression of MAGE antigens in melanoma.

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) has emerged as a promising approach for inducing cell death in melanoma, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with chemotherapeutics. However, to date, there has been a shortage of studies exploring the impact of nsPEF on the expression of cancer-specific molecules. In this investigation, we sought to assess the effects of nsPEF on melanoma-specific MAGE (Melanoma Antigen Gene Protein Family) expression. To achieve this, melanoma cells were exposed to nsPEF with parameters set at 8 kV/cm, 200 ns duration, 100 pulses, and a frequency of 10 kHz. We also aimed to comprehensively describe the consequences of this electric field on melanoma cells' invasion and proliferation potential. Our findings reveal that following exposure to nsPEF, melanoma cells release microvesicles containing MAGE antigens, leading to a simultaneous increase in the expression and mRNA content of membrane-associated antigens such as MAGE-A1. Notably, we observed an unexpected increase in the expression of PD-1 as well. While we did not observe significant differences in the cells' proliferation or invasion potential, a remarkable alteration in the cells' metabolomic and lipidomic profiles towards a less aggressive phenotype was evident. Furthermore, we validated these results using ex vivo tissue cultures and 3D melanoma culture models. Our study demonstrates that nsPEF can elevate the expression of membrane-associated proteins, including melanoma-specific antigens. The mechanism underlying the overexpression of MAGE antigens involves the initial release of microvesicles containing MAGE antigens, followed by a gradual increase in mRNA levels, ultimately resulting in elevated expression of MAGE antigens post-experiment. These findings shed light on a novel method for modulating cancer cells to overexpress cancer-specific molecules, thereby potentially enhancing their sensitivity to targeted anticancer therapy.

Changes Induced by P2X7 Receptor Stimulation of Human Glioblastoma Stem Cells in the Proteome of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Their Secretome.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted from many tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and lethal brain tumor in adults, which shows high resistance to current therapies and poor patient prognosis. Given the high relevance of the information provided by cancer cell secretome, we performed a proteomic analysis of microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (EXOs) released from GBM-derived stem cells (GSCs). The latter, obtained from the brain of GBM patients, expressed P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs), which positively correlate with GBM growth and invasiveness. P2X7R stimulation of GSCs caused significant changes in the EV content, mostly ex novo inducing or upregulating the expression of proteins related to cytoskeleton reorganization, cell motility/spreading, energy supply, protection against oxidative stress, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional regulation. Most of the induced/upregulated proteins have already been identified as GBM diagnostic/prognostic factors, while others have only been reported in peripheral tumors. Our findings indicate that P2X7R stimulation enhances the transport and, therefore, possible intercellular exchange of GBM aggressiveness-increasing proteins by GSC-derived EVs. Thus, P2X7Rs could be considered a new druggable target of human GBM, although these data need to be confirmed in larger experimental sets.

Ponatinib Induces a Procoagulant Phenotype in Human Coronary Endothelial Cells via Inducing Apoptosis.

BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective drugs in the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. However, based on clinical studies, ponatinib was associated with the development of thrombotic complications. Since endothelial cells (ECs) regulate blood coagulation, their abnormal phenotype may play a role in the development of thrombotic events. We here aimed to investigate the effect of ponatinib on the procoagulant activity of cultured endothelial cells in vitro. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were incubated with 50, 150, and 1000 nM of ponatinib. Subsequently, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) were measured by flow cytometry. In addition, EC- and EMV-dependent thrombin generation was analyzed. To investigate pro-apoptotic effects of ponatinib, the level of Bax and Bcl-xL proteins were studied using Western blot and F3, THBD, and VCAM1 mRNAs were quantified by qPCR. Therapeutic concentrations of ponatinib significantly increased PS expression on ECs and the amount of EMVs which significantly shortened the time parameters of thrombin generation. In addition, these changes were associated with an increased ratio of Bax and Bcl-xL proteins in the presence of the decreased THBD mRNA level. Overall, ponatinib enhances the procoagulant activity of ECs via inducing apoptosis, which may contribute to thrombotic events.

A Current Synopsis of the Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles and Micro-RNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: A Forward-Looking Plan for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, while it persists as the fourth most prevalent cause of cancer-related death in the United States of America. Although there are several novel therapeutic strategies for the approach of this intensely aggressive tumor, it remains a clinical challenge, as it is hard to identify in early stages, due to its asymptomatic course. A diagnosis is usually established when the disease is already in its late stages, while its chemoresistance constitutes an obstacle to the optimal management of this malignancy. The discovery of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools is considered a necessity for this tumor, due to its low survival rates and treatment failures. One of the most extensively investigated potential diagnostic and therapeutic modalities is extracellular vesicles (EVs). These vesicles constitute nanosized double-lipid membraned particles that are characterized by a high heterogeneity that emerges from their distinct biogenesis route, their multi-variable sizes, and the particular cargoes that are embedded into these particles. Their pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication via their cargo and their implication in the pathophysiology of several diseases, including pancreatic cancer, opens new horizons in the management of this malignancy. Meanwhile, the interplay between pancreatic carcinogenesis and short non-coding RNA molecules (micro-RNAs or miRs) is in the spotlight of current studies, as they can have either a role as tumor suppressors or promoters. The deregulation of both of the aforementioned molecules leads to several aberrations in the function of pancreatic cells, leading to carcinogenesis. In this review, we will explore the role of extracellular vesicles and miRNAs in pancreatic cancer, as well as their potent utilization as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.