Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Exosomal miRNA Analysis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer NSCLC Patients' Plasma Through qPCR: A Feasible Liquid Biopsy Tool
Published on: May 27, 2016
Hepatocellular carcinoma-derived exosomal miRNA-761 regulates the tumor microenvironment by targeting the
Xiao-Hu Zhou1,2, Hao Xu1,2, Chang Xu1,2
1Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Background:
Exosomes and exosomal microRNAs have been implicated in tumor occurrence and metastasis. Our previous study showed that microRNA-761 (miR-761) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and that its inhibition affects mitochondrial function and inhibits HCC metastasis. The mechanism by which exosomal miR-761 modulates the tumor microenvironment has not been elucidated.
Methods:
Exosomal miR-761 was detected in six cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell migration assays were performed to determine the function of exosomal miR-761 in HCC cells. The luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze miR-761 target genes in normal fibroblasts (NFs). The inhibitors AZD1480 and C188-9 were employed to determine the role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in the transformation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
Results:
In this study, we characterized the mechanism by which miR-761 reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment. We found that HCC-derived exosomal miR-761 was taken up by NFs. Moreover, HCC exosomes affected the tumor microenvironment by activating NFs via suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
These results demonstrated that exosomal miR-761 modulated the tumor microenvironment via SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway-dependent activation of CAFs. Our findings may inspire new strategies for HCC prevention and therapy.
Related Concept Videos
The Tumor Microenvironment
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
MicroRNAs
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...

