Evaluating adipose-derived stem cell exosomes as miRNA drug delivery systems for the treatment of bladder cancer

Objectives Exosomes are essential mediators of intercellular communication as they transport proteins and RNAs between cells. Owing to their tumor-targeting capacity, immune compatibility, low toxicity, and long half-life, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have great potential for the development of novel antitumor strategies. In this context, the role of exosomes produced by adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) for the treatment of bladder cancer (BC) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the use of ADSCs as a source of therapeutic exosomes, as well as their efficacy in delivering the tumor suppressor miR-138-5p in BC. Methods ADSCs stably expressing miR-138-5p were established using Lentivirus infection, and ADSC-derived miR-138-5p exosomes (Exo-miR-138-5p) were isolated from the cell culture medium. The effect of Exo-miR-138-5p on BC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation was evaluated in vitro using wound healing, transwell invasion, and proliferation assays. The in vivo effect of Exo-miR-138-5p was investigated using a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. Results Exo-miR-138-5p prevented the migration, invasion, and proliferation of BC cells in vitro. Moreover, ADSC-derived exosomes could penetrate tumor tissues and successfully deliver miR-138-5p to suppress the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. Conclusions The present results reveal that ADSC-derived exosomes are an effective delivery vehicle for small molecule drugs in vivo, and exosome-delivered miR-138-5p is a promising therapeutic agent for BC treatment.