VDAC1 protein derived from extracellular vesicles promotes paclitaxel resistance in gastric cancer through autophagy and mitophagy
Quick Facts
- Publication title: VDAC1 protein derived from extracellular vesicles promotes paclitaxel resistance in gastric cancer through autophagy and mitophagy
- Journal: Cancer Biol Med
- Year: 2026
- DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2025.0360
- PMID/PMCID: 41703708; PMC12980039
Research overview
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting extracellular vesicle (EV) protein in reversing PTX resistance in GC cells and to delineate the underlying molecular pathways involved. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting extracellular vesicle (EV) protein in reversing PTX resistance in GC cells and to delineate the underlying molecular pathways involved.
Key findings
Proteomic analyses demonstrated a marked upregulation of VDAC1 in EVs secreted by PTX-resistant GC cells.
Functional studies revealed that intercellular transfer of EV-derived VDAC1 directly conferred PTX resistance to drug-sensitive cancer cells.
Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) functional assay further elucidated that VDAC1-mediated chemoresistance was mechanistically linked to the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and concomitant suppression of the mammalian target of rapamycin - p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (mTOR-p70S6K) pathway.
In vivo validation confirmed that systemic delivery of EV-derived VDAC1 significantly reduced PTX sensitivity in GC tumors.
Study design
Proteomic profiling was used to identify differentially expressed EV proteins in PTX-resistant GC cells.
EVs were isolated via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nano-flow cytometry (nano-FCM), and western blot analysis.
In vivo functional validation was performed in xenograft tumor models by injecting EV proteins into nude mice via the tail vein (6 groups, n = 4).
Echo Biotech Role
Echo Biotech contributed EV isolation and purification; the study also used or cited Exosupur®.
Related platforms: Exoomics®, Research Reagents & Tools
Related services and capabilities: Cell-Culture Supernatant EV Isolation & Purification, Research Reagent / Product Supply
Related products or reagents: Exosupur® EV Isolation/Purification Kit
References
Original publication: VDAC1 protein derived from extracellular vesicles promotes paclitaxel resistance in gastric cancer through autophagy and mitophagy Cancer biology & medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2025.0360. PMID/PMCID: 41703708; PMC12980039.