Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal microRNA-139-5p restrains tumorigenesis in bladder cancer by targeting PRC1

microRNAs (miRNAs) can be delivered to tumor cells where they exert their function via mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes. This study investigated exosomal transfer of miR-139-5p to bladder cancer cells and their role in the regulation of tumorigenesis. The dysregulation of polycomb repressor complex 1 (PRC1) in bladder cancer was characterized by RNA quantification, and its functional significance in bladder cancer cells was identified by loss-of-function experiments. We predicted the miR-139-5p that could play a role in regulating PRC1, which was further verified using dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Next, we altered the expression of miR-139-5p and PRC1 in bladder cancer cells to identify their functions in cancer progression. Bladder cancer cells were co-cultured with exosomes isolated from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) over-expressing miR-139-5p. The intercellular transfer of miR-139-5p along with in vitro and in vivo functions was determined using gain- and loss-of-function approaches. Our results revealed that PRC1 levels were increased in bladder cancer tissues and cells, and silencing PRC1 appeared to impede the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion potentials. In addition, miR-139-5p was observed to be down-regulated in bladder cancer, which targeted PRC1 and reduced its expression, hereby resulting in ameliorated tumorigenic characteristics of bladder cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, we noted that miR-139-5p from hUCMSCs-derived exosomes could be transferred into bladder cancer cells to down-regulate the PRC1 expression. Moreover, hUCMSCs-derived exosomal miR-139-5p conferred a suppressive role on bladder cancer development in vitro and in vivo. These data together supported the tumor-inhibiting role of MSCs-derived exosomal miR-139-5p in bladder cancer, highlighting a promising therapeutic strategy.

Automated summary

This study demonstrated that miR-139-5p exosomes from MSCs could be transferred to bladder cancer cells to inhibit tumorigenesis by regulating PRC1. PRC1 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells, and silencing PRC1 hindered cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Additionally, miR-139-5p downregulated PRC1 expression, thereby ameliorating tumorigenic characteristics of bladder cancer cells.