Exosomal KRAS mutation promotes the formation of tumor-associated neutrophil extracellular traps and causes deterioration of colorectal cancer by inducing IL-8 expression

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. The current study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which exosomes carrying KRAS mutant contribute to neutrophil recruitment as well as the formation of the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) in CRC. Methods APC-WT and APC-KRAS(G12D) mouse models were initially developed. Peripheral blood, spleen, bone marrow (BM) and mesenteric lymph nodes (mLN) were isolated to detect neutrophil content. Then, APC-WT and APC-KRAS(G12D) mice were injected with exosomes isolated from APC-WT and APC-KRAS(G12D) mice. The ratio of neutrophils, NETs formation and IL-8 protein content were subsequently quantified in colon tissues. DKs-8 (wild type) and DKO-1 (KRAS mutant) cells were employed for in vitro experimentation. Then, DKs-8 cells were cultured with exosome-treated PMA stimulated neutrophil-forming NETs culture medium, with cell viability, invasion, migration, and adhesion evaluated. Results Compared with APC-WT mice, the numbers of polyps and neutrophils in the peripheral blood, spleen and mLNs were increased in APC-KRAS(G12D) mice, accompanied with increased NET formation, IL-8 expression and exosomes. Meanwhile, IL-8 upregulation, neutrophil recruitment and NET formation were observed in the mice injected with exosomes derived from APC-KRAS(G12D). The in vitro investigation results revealed that more NETs were formed in the presence of DKO-1-Exos, which were inhibited by DNAse. In addition, DKs-8- and DKO-1 cells-derived exosomes could adhere to NETs under static conditions in vitro. Exosomal KRAS mutants were noted to exert stimulatory effects on the IL-8 production and NET formation to promote the growth of CRC cells. Conclusion The results provide evidence suggesting that exosomes may transfer mutant KRAS to recipient cells and trigger increases in IL-8 production, neutrophil recruitment and formation of NETs, eventually leading to the deterioration of CRC.