Exosome-based strategy against colon cancer using small interfering RNA-loaded vesicles targeting soluble a proliferation-inducing ligand

BACKGROUND

Recent advancements in nanomedicine have highlighted the potential of exosome (Ex)-based therapies, utilizing naturally derived nanoparticles, as a novel approach to targeted cancer treatment.

AIM

To explore the targetability and anticancer effectiveness of small interfering peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 RNA (siPIN1)-loaded soluble a proliferation-inducing ligand (sAPRIL)-targeted Exs (designated as tEx[p]) in the treatment of colon cancer models.

METHODS

tEx was generated by harvesting conditioned media from adipose-derived stem cells that had undergone transformation using pDisplay vectors encoding sAPRIL-binding peptide sequences. Subsequently, tEx[p] were created by incorporating PIN1 siRNA into the tEx using the Exofect kit. The therapeutic efficacy of these Exs was evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo models of colon cancer.

RESULTS

The tEx[p] group exhibited superior anticancer effects in comparison to other groups, including tEx, Ex[p], and Ex, demonstrated by the smallest tumor size, the slowest tumor growth rate, and the lightest weight of the excised tumors observed in the tEx[p] group (P < 0.05). Moreover, analyses of the excised tumor tissues, using western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining, revealed that tEx[p] treatment resulted in the highest increase in E-cadherin expression and the most significant reduction in the mesenchymal markers Vimentin and Snail (P < 0.05), suggesting a more effective inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition tEx[p], likely due to the enhanced delivery of siPIN1.

CONCLUSION

The use of bioengineered Exs targeting sAPRIL and containing siPIN1 demonstrated superior efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic strategy for colon cancer.

Key Words: Colon cancer; Drug delivery system; Exosome; Soluble a proliferation-inducing ligand; Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1; Targeted therapy

Core Tip: This study investigated the potential of bioengineered exosomes (Exs), specifically small interfering peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 RNA-loaded soluble a proliferation-inducing ligand-targeted Exs, in treating colon cancer. By targeting soluble A proliferation-inducing ligand and delivering small interfering peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1, these modified Exs demonstrated superior efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition compared to standard Ex treatments. The findings highlight the promise of the novel targeted Exs, offering insights into the enhanced targetability and anticancer effectiveness of Ex-based therapies in oncological applications.

• Citation: Kim HJ, Lee DS, Park JH, Hong HE, Choi HJ, Kim OH, Kim SJ. Exosome-based strategy against colon cancer using small interfering RNA-loaded vesicles targeting soluble a proliferation-inducing ligand. World J Stem Cells 2024; 16(11): 956-973
• URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/1948-0210/full/v16/i11/956.htm
• DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v16.i11.956