Abstract 3045: Engineering Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) to support tumor-targeted delivery of exosome-encapsulated microRNA-379
Authors: Killian P. O'Brien, Katie Gilligan, Sonja Khan, Brian Moloney, Kerry Thompson, Pierce Lalor, Peter Dockery, Helen Ingoldsby, Michael J. Kerin, Roisin M. Dwyer
Journal: Cancer Research (2017)

Abstract Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells known to migrate specifically to the sites of tumors and metastases, raising potential as tumor-targeted delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents. MSCs secrete exosomes containing genetic material including microRNAs (miRs), that are effectively taken up by cells. Previous work has shown miR-379 to be significantly reduced in breast tumor tissue, highlighting a potential tumor suppressor role. This study aimed to establish a mechanism of action for miR-379, and to engineer MSCs to secrete exosomes enriched with the miR for tumor-targeted delivery. Methods: RNA was isolated from breast tumors and matching lymph node metastases from the same patients, and miR-379 expression quantified by RQ-PCR. HCC1954 breast cancer cells were transduced with lentivirus to express elevated miR-379 (HCC-379) or a control sequence (HCC-NTC). Cells were implanted into the mammary fat pad (MFP) of mice and tumor progression monitored. Subsequently, MSCs were transduced to generate MSC-379 and MSC-NTC. MSC-secreted exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation, microfiltration and ultracentrifugation. The morphology, size and number of isolated exosomes was characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Western Blot and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis respectively. Exosomal miRs were analysed by RQ-PCR. MFP tumors were established using HCC1954-luciferase cells, followed by IV injection of MSC-379 or MSC-NTC cells, or sequential doses of exosomes derived from either cell population. Results: miR-379 expression was significantly reduced in lymph node metastases compared to primary tumors from the same patients (p=0.009), supporting a tumor suppressor role. Analysis of HCC-379 and HCC-NTC tumor growth In Vivo showed no difference in tumor size, however an increase in tumour necrosis (5-50%) and decrease in lymph node invasion was observed in HCC-379 tumors. Investigation of a potential role for miR-379 in regulating COX-2, revealed an inverse relationship (r = -0.48, p=0.02) at a mRNA level, further confirmed at a protein level. MSC-379 cells showed no significant change in migratory or proliferative capacity In Vitro. MSC-secreted exosomes were confirmed to be the correct morphology and size (30-120nm), and to express the exosome-associated protein CD63. An increase in miR-379 (&amp;gt;5 fold) was observed in exosomes secreted by MSC-379 compared to MSC-NTC cells. Administration of MSC-379 or MSC-NTC cells, or exosomes derived from either cell population, was well tolerated In Vivo with no adverse effects observed. Monitoring tumor response to therapy using IVIS is ongoing. Conclusion: The data presented supports miR-379 as a potent tumor suppressor in breast cancer, mediated in part through regulation of COX-2. Engineering tumor-targeted MSCs to secrete exosomes enriched with miR-379 holds exciting potential as a novel therapy for breast cancer. Citation Format: Killian P. O'Brien, Katie Gilligan, Sonja Khan, Brian Moloney, Kerry Thompson, Pierce Lalor, Peter Dockery, Helen Ingoldsby, Michael J. Kerin, Roisin M. Dwyer. Engineering Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) to support tumor-targeted delivery of exosome-encapsulated microRNA-379 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3045. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3045