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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes and Cancer: Controversies and Prospects
Sirine Yassine1, Nada Alaaeddine1
1Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, 1100, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have displayed a novel therapeutic strategy for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Their secretome and exosome-based paracrine activity are considered as the main processes harboring their diverse therapeutic properties. Several investigations have examined the effects of MSC-derived exosomes on cancer growth, yet, controversial results have always emerged. Although MSC-derived exosomes are able to rigorously enforce the repression of cancer proliferation and progression, it is shown that MSCs exosomal activity displays numerous protumorigenic effects. This discrepancy over the dual effects of MSCs on cancer growth may be mediated by many factors including experimental design, stem cells origins, culture conditions, in addition to cancer-MSCs cross-talks. Despite the controversial effects of MSCs on carcinogenesis, scientists are able to overcome a number of obstacles by modifying MSCs to deliver antioncogenic miRNAs, anticancer drugs, and oncolytic viruses into tumor sites. This review discusses the controversial effects of MSC-derived exosomes on tumorigenesis, investigates the main causes that underlie this discrepancy, summarizes the pattern of engineered-MSCs, and finally highlights how future studies should advance the research in the field of MSCs-based cancer therapies in order to accelerate the transition from preclinical studies to clinical practice.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show dual effects on cancer, potentially inhibiting or promoting tumor growth. Research is exploring engineered MSCs to enhance their anti-cancer therapeutic potential for clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer novel therapeutic strategies via paracrine signaling, primarily through their secretome and exosomes.
- MSC-derived exosomes exhibit complex roles in cancer, with studies reporting both tumor suppression and promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the controversial effects of MSC-derived exosomes on tumorigenesis.
- To investigate factors contributing to the dual role of MSCs in cancer.
- To summarize engineered MSC strategies and future research directions for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating MSC-exosome interactions in cancer.
- Analysis of factors influencing MSC-exosome effects (experimental design, cell origin, culture conditions, cross-talk).
- Summary of approaches for engineering MSCs for targeted cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- MSC-derived exosomes can inhibit cancer proliferation but also display protumorigenic effects.
- Discrepancies in results are attributed to variations in experimental setups and biological factors.
- Engineered MSCs can deliver anti-cancer agents like miRNAs, drugs, and viruses to tumors.
Conclusions:
- The dual role of MSC-derived exosomes in cancer necessitates careful consideration of experimental variables.
- Engineering MSCs presents a promising avenue to harness their therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
- Further research is crucial to translate MSC-based cancer therapies from preclinical to clinical settings.
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