Extracellular vesicles carry microRNA-195 to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and improve survival in a rat model

Ling Li, Klaus Piontek, Masaharu Ishida, Michel Fausther, Jonathan A. Dranoff, Rongdang Fu, Esteban Mezey, Stephen J. Gould, Francis K. Fordjour, Stephen J. Meltzer, Alphonse E. Sirica, Florin M. Selaru

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

The cancer microenvironment plays a central role in cancer development, growth, and homeostasis. This paradigm suggests that cancer fibroblasts support cancers, probably in response to stimuli received from the cancer cells. We aimed at investigating whether extracellular vesicles (EVs) can shuttle microRNA (miR) species between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and cancer cells. To this end, we extracted EVs according to published protocols. EVs were studied for their miR content by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. EVs were transfected with select miR species and utilized in vitro as well as in vivo in a rat model of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We found that miR-195 is down-regulated in CCA cells, as well as in adjoining fibroblasts. Furthermore, we report that EVs shuttle miR-195 from fibroblasts to cancer cells. Last, we show that fibroblast-derived EVs, loaded with miR-195, can be administered in a rat model of CCA, concentrate within the tumor, decrease the size of cancers, and improve survival of treated rats. Conclusion: EVs play a salient role in trafficking miR species between cancer cells and CAFs in human CCA. Understanding of these mechanisms may allow devising of novel therapeutics. (Hepatology 2017;65:501-514).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)501-514
Number of pages14
JournalHepatology
Volume65
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Extracellular vesicles carry microRNA-195 to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and improve survival in a rat model'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this