Targeting exosomal miR-488 inhibits head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth by mediating RAB25
Abstract Background: Cancer cell-derived exosomes and its packaged miRNAs have been identified to regulate tumor growth and progression. However, its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the potential mechanism still need to be further investigated. Methods: RNA sequencing was conducted to select the dysregulated genes in HNSCC. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and TCGA database were performed to analyze the potential candidate genes for HNSCC progression. Cell viability was analyzed using MTT, and colony formation was visualized using crystal violet staining. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to identify the interaction between miR-488 and RAB25. The role of miR-488 and RAB25 in tumor growth and drug response were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Results: The dysregulated genes in HNSCC captured the signaling of exosomes biogenesis dysfunction. Compared with the normal cells NP69, HNSCC cells had enriched exosomes and its packaged miRNAs, including miR-488. Luciferase reporter assay showed that RAB25 is a downstream target of miR-488. RAB25 was downregulated in HNSCC patients and predicted a poor prognosis. MiR-488/RAB25 signaling controlled cancer cell viability and colony formation ability in vitro and growth in vivo. Importantly, targeting miR-488 significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted drug response to chemotherapy, suggesting a potential therapeutic promising for HNSCC. Conclusion These findings demonstrate a tumor-cell derived exosomal miR-488 promotes tumor growth by targeting RAB25 that could be targeted for HNSCC treatment.