5015 - The study of tumor associated exosomes in crosstalk between esophageal carcinoma and lymphatic endothelial cells

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers in china. Because the disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, it is usually detected at a more advanced stage that is more challenging to treat. The inter-communication between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its surrounding microenvironment is essential for tumor progression and metastasis. Exosome plays a key role in information delivery between primary lesion and pre-metastatic niche via its packed bioactive molecules. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of exosome from tumor plasma to angiogenesis in human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLEC) in vitro.

Methods

Total circulation exosomes (CEs) were extracted and purified to selectively capture EpCAM positive exosomes by magnetic-bead technique. Proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE, and protein bands were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Tube formation assay and fluorescence imaging assay were performed in vitro.

Results

The expression level of CEs in ESCC patients with lymph node metastasis were significantly higher than that in ESCC patients without metastasis and healthy control group (respectively; P < 0.001). The tumor associated exosomes could be taken by HLEC and its transferred into HLECs could to promote HLECs tube formation in vitro. In addition, the mass spectrometry was used to analysis the proteomic content in tumor associated exosomes, tumor-related proteins such as matrix-metalloproteinases, PP2A proteins and EIF proteins were identified in the exosome.

Conclusions

Exosomes released by ESCC may play important roles in the microenvironment of ESCC and provide a potential application of therapy.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.

Funding

NSFC.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.