Exosomal miR-224-3p promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis by targeting GSK3B in gastric cancer

Quick Facts

  • Publication title: Exosomal miR-224-3p promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis by targeting GSK3B in gastric cancer
  • Journal: Oncol Res
  • Year: 2025
  • DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.050431
  • PMID/PMCID: 39866224; PMC11753999

Research overview

In this study, we screened out miR-224-3p related to GC progression and LNM in a vascular endothelial growth Factor C (VEGFC)-independent manner. Our discovery of the exo-miR-224-3p/GSK3B/β-catenin/PROX1 axis may provide a new direction for the clinical treatment of GC.

Key findings

In this study, we screened out miR-224-3p related to GC progression and LNM in a vascular endothelial growth Factor C (VEGFC)-independent manner.

We found that exo-miR-224-3p derived from GC cells could enter human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) and promote the tube formation and migration of HLECs.

In addition, it was revealed that miR-224-3p could bind to the 3'UTR region of GSK3B mRNA.

Then, we proved that inhibiting the expression of GSK3B could suppress the phosphorylation of β-catenin and promote the transcription of PROX1, thus leading to tumor lymphangiogenesis.

Study design

We used sequencing analysis of collected serum to screen out exo-miRNA related to LNM in GC.

ELISA, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, RNA pull-down assay, Transwell assay, animal experiments, and other experiments were used to verify the results.

Echo Biotech Role

Echo Biotech contributed EV characterization.

Related platforms: Exoomics®

Related services and capabilities: EV Basic Characterization (TEM/NTA/WB)

References

Original publication: Exosomal miR-224-3p promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis by targeting GSK3B in gastric cancer Oncology research. 2025. DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.050431. PMID/PMCID: 39866224; PMC11753999.