by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Mass spectrometry analysis reveals HSPCs-derived exosomes are enriched in proteins involved in adhesion and migration. Proteomics analysis of the cargo was performed to uncover putative functions of the isolated exosomes. The KEGG pathways and the Biological Processes from Gene Ontology analysis that were enriched in the KG1a (pink) and healthy HSPCs (blue)-derived exosomes were identified using the DAVID online tool. (A) Top hits of the KEGG pathways identified included pathways related to vehicle-trafficking and adhesion-migration functions. Furthermore, there was enrichment in signaling networks, highly related to the regulation of migration. The complete list of the identified KEGG pathways can be found in “HSPCs-derived exosomes proteome analysis.” Datasheet 2. (B) Top hits of Biological Processes identified included processes related to cell adhesion and signaling cascades, confirming the KEGG pathways. The complete list of identified Biological Processes can be found in “HSPCs-derive exosomes proteome analysis.” Datasheet 2. (C) KEGG map revealed proteins in KG1a (pink) and healthy HSPCs (blue frame)-derived exosomes related to Leukocyte Transendothelial Migration. Among the identified proteins, there were integrins (e.g., integrin-alpha), cytoskeleton-related proteins (e.g., actin, ezrin), and chemokines (e.g., IL-32). Credit: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1149912

Tiny packets of molecular cargo shed by cancer cells seed the foundations for metastasis at distant sites in the body.

Messenger particles released by leukemia cells use a chemical modification on their surface to navigate a route to distant sites, where they release molecular cargo that lays the groundwork for the blood cancer's spread.

Published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, the findings, from mouse and cell experiments conducted at KAUST, help explain one of the drivers of cancer metastasis. Moreover, they highlight a potential therapeutic strategy for combatting the progression of leukemia.

The researchers showed that, just like leukemia cells themselves, tiny packets of molecular cargo that the cells shed from their surface depend on an adhesion molecule called E-selectin to bind and travel to tissues throughout the body.

These packets, known as exosomes, contain genetic material and signaling proteins that can promote cancer growth and survival through mediating modifications in the recipient cells. But they can only do so when surface proteins found on the exosomes have been decorated with a complex sugar molecule called sialyl Lewis X.

With this adornment, "leukemic exosomes act as a kind of blueprint to altering the foundations in a way that makes the environment more friendly for future metastasis," says Ioannis Isaioglou, Ph.D. student and the first author of the study.

But without it, Isaioglou and his colleagues found, exosomes cannot deliver the messages needed to promote cancer-fueling gene expression in recipient cells—and an antibody drug that blocks E-selectin activity has the same effect. In mice, such a drug therapy helped to prevent leukemia cells from taking root in the spleen and spine, common sites of leukemic spread.

"This points to the potential importance of focusing on exosomes as a way of reducing metastasis," says cell biologist Jasmeen Merzaban, who led the research project as part of a collaboration with KAUST bioengineer Khaled Salama and microscopist Satoshi Habuchi.

Of note, there is currently a drug candidate called Uproleselan, a small molecule inhibitor of E-selectin, in late-stage clinical testing for patients with advanced leukemia. Earlier trial data looked promising, and the laboratory results from Merzaban's team could help to explain why the drug seems to be helping patients live longer.

The study also documented a flexible feature of exosomes. Though long thought of as passive delivery vehicles, exosomes can actually change what contents they distribute depending on what molecules they bind to on target cells. "This is the first time research has shown exosomes to have such a dynamic role in transporting cancer communications to new locations," Merzaban says.

That sophisticated function now deserves more attention, she says, given the critical roles that exosomes play in cancer progression.

More information: Ioannis Isaioglou et al, CD34⁺ HSPCs-derived exosomes contain dynamic cargo and promote their migration through functional binding with the homing receptor E-selectin, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1149912

Provided by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology