Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal microRNA-16-5p restrains epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells via EPHA1/NF-κB signaling axis

Objective: This study intends to conquer the mystery of microRNA-16-5p/erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A1/nuclear factor-κB signaling (miR-16-5p/EPHA1/NF-κB signaling) in breast cancer.

Methods: Expression of miR-16-5p, EPHA1 and NF-κB signaling-related proteins were detected. Gene overexpression or silencing was used to examine the biological roles of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived exo-miR-16-5p in breast cancer. The effect of exo-miR-16-5p on tumorigenesis of breast cancer was confirmed by the xenograft nude mouse model.

Results: Low miR-16-5p and high EPHA1 expression were examined in breast cancer. BMSCs-derived exosomes, up-regulated miR-16-5p or down-regulated EPHA1 restrained epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer cells and tumor growth in nude mice. Down-regulated miR-16-5p or up-regulated EPHA1 activated NF-κB signaling. Knockdown of EPHA1 or inhibition of NF-κB signaling reversed the effects of down-regulated miR-16-5p on breast cancer cells.

Conclusion: BMSCs-derived exosomal miR-16-5p hinders breast cancer cells progression via EPHA1/NF-κB signaling axis.