Metastatic Suppression in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Lineages by Extracellular Vesicle Delivery of miR-200c

• Grant number: 24/09539-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos Zuccari
• Grantee: Àlexia Correa Pereira Leite
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Despite advances in various current techniques that have improved clinical outcomes and increased survival in breast cancer patients, metastasis-a process involving the spread of tumor cells and formation of new tumors in distant organs-remains a significant challenge contributing to increased mortality from this disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), characterized by the loss of epithelial traits and acquisition of mesenchymal markers such as ZEB1 protein, plays a critical role in this process and can be inhibited by miR-200 action. While studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the miR-200 family in suppressing ZEB1, safely delivering these miRNAs to the tumor site remains a challenge. In this study, we explore the potential of extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-200c as a safe transport vehicle for miRNAs, leveraging their natural ability to circulate freely and deliver bioactive molecules to the host. Additionally, we investigate the potential of miR-200c as a metastatic suppressor in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and luminal A breast cancer cell line MCF7.