Human CAP cells represent a novel source for functional, miRNA-loaded exosome production

PLoS One. 2019 Aug 28;14(8):e0221679. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221679. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Exosomes represent a promising delivery tool for nucleic acid-based pharmaceuticals. They are highly suitable for transporting therapeutic miRNAs to tumor cells, due to their natural membrane components. Further, exosomes are capable of effectively protecting nucleic acids against ribonucleases and enable the delivery of their content through cell membranes. However, no suitable production host for miRNA containing exosomes of non-tumorigenic origin has yet been identified. In this study we engineered an immortalised human amniocyte cell line (CAP® cells), whose exosomes were enriched and characterised. The cell line modifications not only enabled the production of GFP-labelled but also pro-apoptotic miRNA containing exosomes without negative influence on host cell growth. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pro-apoptotic miRNA containing CAP exosomes are taken up by ovarian cancer cells. Strikingly, delivery of functional exosomal miRNA led to downregulation of several reported target genes in the treated tumor cells. In summary, we revealed CAP cells of non-tumorigenic origin as a novel and efficient exosome production host with the potential to produce functional miRNA-loaded exosomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amnion / cytology*
  • Apoptosis
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Exosomes / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tetraspanin 30 / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Tetraspanin 30

Grants and funding

This study was funded by CEVEC Pharmaceuticals GmbH in a cooperation-project with the University of Applied Sciences Biberach. CEVEC Pharmaceuticals funded the material for this study. CEVEC Pharmaceuticals GmbH also provided support for this study in the form of salaries for SS, SW, and NS. The funders had no additional role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.