Multiplex analysis of cancer cells treated with induced mesenchymal stem cell membrane vesicles

BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived vesicles secreted by cells into the extracellular space. They play an important role in intercellular communication and regulate various biological processes. Vesicles are found in tumor tissue where they mediate signaling between tumor cells and surrounding cells in the microenvironment. Like parental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), EVs exert dual effects on tumorogenesis. Some studies have shown that MSC-EVs promote tumor growth, while others have demonstrated their inhibitory role. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of MSC membrane vesicles (MVs) on the molecular composition of cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Induced membrane vesicles (iMVs) were obtained from MSCs previously isolated from adipose tissue by treatment with cytochalasin B. To simulate intercellular communication between tumor cells and MSCs, iMVs with different protein concentrations were applied to recipient cells (SH-SY5Y, PC3, MCF7). A bicinchoninic acid technique was used to measure total protein isolated from human cells/iMVs. The molecular composition of the recipient cells was then analyzed by multiplex analysis. The cells were pre-treated with MSC iMVs. RESULTS: Applying MSC MVs to cancer cells induces significant changes in the expression of many biologically active molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. For example, increased levels of the growth factor FGF-2, cytokines G-CSF, fractalkine, IL-12p40, IL-9, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, chemokines IP-10, MCP-1, and others were detected. In addition, the majority of these molecules are found to be associated with cell proliferation, migration and immune response. CONCLUSION: MSC MVs are able to alter the molecular profile of cancer cells, increasing the levels of molecules associated with cell survival and migration.