Exosomal HSP60 levels and related miRNAs in brain tumors

In cancer, Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes, contribute to tumor progression by regulating local and systemic parameters. Since exosomes are released into body fluids, they may be used in nanomedicine as a valuable source of diagnostic biomarkers. The prognosis of brain tumors is poor even after surgical resection followed by post-operatory chemo- and radio-therapies and it is cogent to find innovative treatments. The discovery that molecular chaperones can be determinant factors in tumorigenesis and the increasing understanding of exosomes, particularly in what refers to their release by tumor cells and contents, including chaperones and miRNA, provide elements to develop novel treatment strategies and means. We measured the chaperone HSP60 and related miRNAs in primary brain tumors and peritumoral cells in vivo to determine levels and distribution. In addition, the presence and levels of HSP60 and miRNAs involved in its regulation were investigated in blood exosomes isolated from tumor patients before and after ablative surgery. Blood and pathological tissue samples were taken on the surgery day, blood was collected at one week, one month, and three months after surgery, and exosomes were isolated. The results revealed distinctive changes in the levels of miRNAs involved in HSP60 regulation in brain tumors, pointing to their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and patient monitoring during treatment.