Argonaute 2 in cell-secreted microvesicles guides the function of secreted miRNAs in recipient cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) secreted by cells into microvesicles (MVs) form a novel class of signal molecules that mediate intercellular communication. However, several fundamental aspects of secreted miRNAs remain unknown, particularly the mechanism that governs the function or fate of exogenous miRNAs in recipient cells. In the present study, we provide evidence indicating that Argonaute 2 (Ago2) plays a role in stabilizing miRNAs and facilitating the packaging of secreted miRNAs into MVs. More importantly, Ago2 in origin cell-secreted MVs (but not in recipient cells) directs the function of secreted miRNAs. First, Ago2 overexpression clearly increased the level of miR-16 in cells transfected with a miR-16 mimic by protecting the miRNAs from degradation in lysosomes. Second, Ago2 overexpression increased the level of miR-16 in cell-secreted MVs, suggesting that Ago2 may facilitate the packaging of secreted miRNAs into MVs. Third, exogenous miR-16 delivered by MVs within the origin cells significantly reduced the Bcl2 protein level in recipient cells, and miR-16 and Bcl2 mRNA were physically associated with exogenous HA-tagged Ago2 (HA-Ago2). Finally, the effect of MV-delivered miR-16 on the production of the Bcl2 protein in recipient cells was not abolished by knocking down Ago2 in the recipient cells.