Employing mesenchymal stem cells to support tumor-targeted delivery of extracellular vesicle (EV)-encapsulated microRNA-379

Oncogene. 2018 Apr;37(16):2137-2149. doi: 10.1038/s41388-017-0116-9. Epub 2018 Jan 25.

Abstract

Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have a well-established tumor-homing capacity, highlighting potential as tumor-targeted delivery vehicles. MSCs secrete extracellular vesicle (EV)-encapsulated microRNAs, which play a role in intercellular communication. The aim of this study was to characterize a potential tumor suppressor microRNA, miR-379, and engineer MSCs to secrete EVs enriched with miR-379 for in vivo therapy of breast cancer. miR-379 expression was significantly reduced in lymph node metastases compared to primary tumor tissue from the same patients. A significant reduction in the rate of tumor formation and growth in vivo was observed in T47D breast cancer cells stably expressing miR-379. In more aggressive HER2-amplified HCC-1954 cells, HCC-379 and HCC-NTC tumor growth rate in vivo was similar, but increased tumor necrosis was observed in HCC-379 tumors. In response to elevated miR-379, COX-2 mRNA and protein was also significantly reduced in vitro and in vivo. MSCs were successfully engineered to secrete EVs enriched with miR-379, with the majority found to be of the appropriate size and morphology of exosomal EVs. Administration of MSC-379 or MSC-NTC cells, or EVs derived from either cell population, resulted in no adverse effects in vivo. While MSC-379 cells did not impact tumor growth, systemic administration of cell-free EVs enriched with miR-379 was demonstrated to have a therapeutic effect. The data presented support miR-379 as a potent tumor suppressor in breast cancer, mediated in part through regulation of COX-2. Exploiting the tumor-homing capacity of MSCs while engineering the cells to secrete EVs enriched with miR-379 holds exciting potential as an innovative therapy for metastatic breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / transplantation
  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Drug Compounding / methods
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / pathology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • MicroRNAs / administration & dosage*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Therapies, Investigational / methods
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • MIRN379 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs