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Identifying adipocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs as potential novel prognostic markers for radiotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

  • 0Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology +

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February 17, 2025

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February 17, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Adipocyte exosomes carry miR-660-5p, which promotes radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). High levels of this microRNA in patient serum exosomes indicate a poor prognosis after radiotherapy for ESCC.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background

  • Radiation resistance is a major challenge in treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
  • The tumor microenvironment, including adipocytes, influences cancer progression and treatment response.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) within extracellular vesicles are implicated in cancer prognosis and intercellular communication.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate if miRNAs from adipocyte exosomes can serve as biomarkers for radiotherapy efficacy in ESCC.
  • To understand the role of adipocyte-derived exosomes in ESCC radioresistance.

Main Methods

  • Established a co-culture model of adipocytes and ESCC cells to assess radioresistance.
  • Isolated and characterized adipocyte-derived exosomes using ultracentrifugation and electron microscopy.
  • Performed miRNA sequencing on exosomes from adipose tissue and patient serum, followed by validation.
  • Correlated exosomal miRNA expression with radiotherapy prognosis in ESCC patients.

Main Results

  • Adipocyte co-culture and adipocyte-derived exosomes enhanced ESCC radioresistance, reducing apoptosis and DNA damage post-irradiation.
  • miR-660-5p was identified in exosomes from adipose tissue and ESCC patient serum.
  • Elevated serum exosome miR-660-5p levels correlated with poor short-term prognosis following radiotherapy in ESCC patients.

Conclusions

  • Adipocyte-derived exosomal miR-660-5p is a potential biomarker for predicting radiotherapy efficacy in ESCC.
  • This finding offers a novel target for overcoming radioresistance in esophageal cancer treatment.

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