Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to explore whether exosome-derived circ0009910 can transcellularly
regulate the growth of pituitary adenoma (PA) cells and to further explore the possible
mechanisms of its action.
Methods
Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle size analysis were used to observe
the morphology and size of the exosomes. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
(qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of circ_0009910, miR-106b-5p, and signal
transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3). Western blotting was used to assess
the expression of exosomal marker proteins, p-STAT3, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin.
Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to
determine the proliferative capacity of the cells. Transwell assays were performed
to assess the migratory and invasive capacity of the cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assays (ELISAs) were used to determine the expression level of growth hormone (GH).
A nude mouse xenograft model was established to observe the effects of exosome-derived
circ0009910 on transplanted tumors in nude mice.
Results
circ0009910 can be transferred to other cells via exosomes. Knocking down the expression
of circ0009910 can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PA cells,
reduce GH expression, and regulate the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition
(EMT)-associated proteins. miR-106b-5p is a molecular sponge of circ0009910 and can
partially reverse the procarcinogenic effect of circ0009910 in PA. STAT3 is a target gene of miR-106b-5p. In addition, circ0009910 knockdown inhibited tumor
growth in vivo.
Conclusion
Exosome-derived circ0009910 promotes PA progression and regulates EMT through the
miR-106b-5p/STAT3 axis.
Keywords
pituitary adenoma - exosomes - circ0009910 - invasion
