Colorectal cancer cells-derived exosomal miR-188-3p promotes liver metastasis by creating a pre-metastatic niche via activation of hepatic stellate cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aim

Metastasis is the leading cause of mortality for colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer-derived exosomes are widely recognized as the primary catalysts behind the development of pre-metastasis niche (PMN) in distal sites. However, the exact mechanism behind this process in CRC remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the function and mechanisms underlying the role of exosomal miR-188-3p in activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to develop the PMN and promote liver metastasis.

Methods

We extracted exosomes from CRC cells using ultracentrifugation. Exosomes were identified using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blot. Exosome uptake was assessed using fluorescence tracing, exosome PKH67 staining, and real-time quant

SUBMITTER: Li T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11938777 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature