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Breast cancer nipple discharge exosomal microRNAs are stable under degradative conditions

Ya-Wen Wang1, Weiguo Zhang2, Xu Chen3

  • 1Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.

The Chinese Journal of Physiology
|June 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Exosomes in nipple discharge protect microRNAs (miRNAs) from degradation, showing stability under harsh conditions. This highlights their potential as breast cancer biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in nipple discharge are potential diagnostic biomarkers.
  • Exosomes, which are vesicles secreted by cells, are present in nipple discharge and colostrum.
  • The stability of miRNAs within exosomes under degradative conditions is crucial for their biomarker potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective role of exosomes on miRNAs in nipple discharge.
  • To assess the stability of exosomal miRNAs under degradative conditions.
  • To compare the stability of exosomes from nipple discharge and colostrum.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of RNase concentration using a novel TTMAAlPc-RNA complex method.
  • Assessment of miRNA stability using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
  • Exposure of miRNAs and exosomes to RNase, varying temperatures, and Triton X-100 lysis.

Main Results:

  • RNase was detected and functional in both colostrum and nipple discharge.
  • Endogenous miRNAs exhibited greater stability than synthetic miRNAs at room temperature and 4°C.
  • Exosomes protected miRNAs from RNase degradation; nipple discharge exosomes showed greater resistance to Triton X-100 lysis than colostrum exosomes.

Conclusions:

  • Exosomes in nipple discharge effectively protect encapsulated miRNAs from degradation.
  • Exosomal miRNAs in nipple discharge are stable under various degradative conditions, supporting their use as breast cancer biomarkers.
  • The differential sensitivity of exosomes from nipple discharge and colostrum to Triton X-100 warrants further investigation.
Keywords:
Breast cancerTriton X-100exosomemicroRNAnipple dischargestability

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