Effect of microRNA-1246 Derived from Exosomes on Apoptosis of Astroglioma Cells

Abstract

Glioma is a common cancer in the central system. Exosomes play a key role in malignancies. This study mainly investigates the effect and mechanism of microRNA-1246 from self-derived exosomes on the apoptotic activities of astroglioma cells. Samples of malignant glioma were collected to measure microRNA-1246 expression. The glioma cells were cultured and their secreted exosomes were collected. Cells were randomized into NC group, miRNA-1246-mimic group and miRNA-1246-inhibitor group followed by analysis of invasion capability, expression of miR-1246 and CAMD1 gene, and AMD1 and apoptosis-related proteins expression by Western-blot as well as the relationship between miRNA-1246 and CAMD1. Under electron microscope, exosomes exhibited round shapes with a diameter of 50–290 nm and a positive expression of CD9 and CD63. miRNA-1246 was upregulated in exosomes from astroglioma patients. miRNA-1246 downregulated CADMI and apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2, but upregulated Caspase-3 and pro-apoptosis proteins in glioma cells. Moreover, miRNA-1246 facilitates astroglioma cells invasion while restraining apoptotic activities. CADM1 was confirmed to be a target of miRNA-1246. In conclusion, miR-1246 is highly expressed in exosomes that originated from astroglioma cells and suppressed the apoptosis of glioma cells via targeting CAMD1 genes.