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Updated: May 14, 2026
In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
Exosomes from marrow stromal cells expressing miR-146b inhibit glioma growth
Mark Katakowski1, Ben Buller, Xuguang Zheng
1Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Exosomes are 30-150 nm vesicles secreted by a wide range of mammalian cells that can contain microRNA (miRNA). To test if marrow stromal cell (MSC) exosomes could be used as a vehicle for delivery of anti-tumor miRNAs, we transfected MSCs with a miR-146b expression plasmid, and harvested exosomes released by the MSCs. Intra-tumor injection of exosomes derived from miR-146-expressing MSCs significantly reduced glioma xenograft growth in a rat model of primary brain tumor.
Insights
Marrow stromal cell (MSC) exosomes carrying anti-tumor microRNAs (miRNAs) effectively reduced glioma growth in a rat brain tumor model. This suggests exosomes are a promising delivery vehicle for cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells, carrying microRNAs (miRNAs) with potential therapeutic roles.
- Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells with immunomodulatory properties.
- Targeted delivery of anti-tumor agents is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of MSC-derived exosomes as a delivery system for anti-tumor miRNAs.
- To evaluate the efficacy of miR-146b-loaded MSC exosomes in reducing glioma growth in vivo.
Main Methods:
- MSCs were transfected with a miR-146b expression plasmid.
- Exosomes were harvested from the transfected MSCs.
- Exosomes were administered via intra-tumor injection into a rat glioma xenograft model.
Main Results:
- Exosomes derived from miR-146b-expressing MSCs were successfully generated.
- Intra-tumor injection of these engineered exosomes significantly inhibited glioma xenograft growth in rats.
Conclusions:
- MSC-derived exosomes can serve as effective carriers for delivering anti-tumor miRNAs.
- This exosome-based delivery system shows significant therapeutic potential for primary brain tumors like glioma.
