Cancer-derived exosomes are considered a major driver of cancer-induced pre-metastatic niche formation at foreign sites, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that miR-25-3p, a metastasis-promoting miRNA of colorectal cancer (CRC), can be transferred from CRC cells to endothelial cells via exosomes. Exosomal miR-25-3p regulates the expression of VEGFR2, ZO-1, occludin and Claudin5 in endothelial cells by targeting KLF2 and KLF4, consequently promotes vascular permeability and angiogenesis. In addition, exosomal miR-25-3p from CRC cells dramatically induces vascular leakiness and enhances CRC metastasis in liver and lung of mice. Moreover, the expression level of miR-25-3p from circulating exosomes is significantly higher in CRC patients with metastasis than those without metastasis. Our work suggests that exosomal miR-25-3p is involved in pre-metastatic niche formation and may be used as a blood-based biomarker for CRC metastasis.

Background Centromere Protein F (CENPF) associates with the centromere–kinetochore complex and influences cell proliferation and metastasis in several cancers. The role of CENPF in breast cancer (BC) bone metastasis remains unclear. Methods Using the ONCOMINE database, we compared the expression of CENPF in breast cancer and normal tissues. Findings were confirmed in 60 BC patients through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Microarray data from GEO and Kaplan–Meier plots were used analyze the overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS). Using the GEO databases, we compared the expression of CENPF in primary lesions, lung metastasis lesions and bone metastasis lesions, and validated our findings in BALB/C mouse 4T1 BC models. Based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and western blot, we predicted the mechanisms by which CENPF regulates BC bone metastasis. Results The ONCOMINE database and immunohistochemical (IHC) showed higher CENPF expression in BC tissue compared to normal tissue. Kaplan–Meier plots also revealed that high CENPF mRNA expression correlated to poor survival and shorter progression-free survival (RFS). From BALB/C mice 4T1 BC models and the GEO database, CENPF was overexpressed in primary lesions, other target organs, and in bone metastasis. Based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and western blot, we predicted that CENPF regulates the secretion of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) through its ability to activate PI3K–AKT–mTORC1. Conclusion CENPF promotes BC bone metastasis by activating PI3K–AKT–mTORC1 signaling and represents a novel therapeutic target for BC treatment.

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Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease, which is characterized by a systemic destruction of bone mass and microarchitecture. With life standard improved, the treatment of osteoporosis attracted more attention. The aim of this study is to verify the osteoprotective effect of psoralen and isopsoralen in females and males. Female and male mice were divided into 7 groups in this study: control group (sham-operation), model group (by ovariectomy or orchidectomy), positive control group (females given estradiol valerate; males given alendronate sodium), psoralen groups (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg), and isopsoralen groups (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg). After administration of psoralen and isopsoralen for 8 weeks, osteoporosis was ameliorated with increasing bone strength and improving trabecular bone microstructure as indicated by CT scan and pathology. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), osteocalcin (OC), and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-1) were examined. Decreased TRACP and increased ALP/TRACP suggested restoring from bone destruction. These results suggest that psoralen and isopsoralen may be used as good natural compounds for the treatment of osteoporosis in males, as well as females.

Background/Aims: Psoralen and bakuchiol are the main active compounds found in the traditional Chinese medicine Psoralea corylifolia L., and have been used to treat osteoporosis. This study aims to investigate the anti-osteoporosis effects of these two compounds using osteoclasts precursor differentiation and bone absorption assays in vitro. Methods: Primary mouse osteoclasts precursor cells were induced by M-CSF (macrophage colony stimulating factor) plus RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand) in vitro. TRACP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) enzyme activity and toluidine blue staining were used to observe the effects of psoralen and bakuchiol on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, respectively. Gelatin zymography was used to assess MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) activity, and ELISA was performed to measure cathepsin K activity. Western blotting analysis for expression of phosphorylated AKT, ERK, NF-kB, and c-jun; and immunofluorescence analysis for c-jun and p65 nuclear translocation in induced osteoclasts were then used to determine the mechanism of anti-bone resorption of psoralen and bakuchiol. Results: Mature osteoclasts were induced by M-CSF plus RANKL from primary bone marrow macrophages in vitro. Both psoralen and bakuchiol significantly inhibited TRACP enzyme activity and slightly decreased the number of TRACP⁺ multinuclear osteoclasts induced by M-CSF plus RANKL. Bakuchiol significantly decreased bone lacunae area and attenuated MMP-2 activity induced by M-CSF plus RANKL in osteoclasts. Both psoralen and bakuchiol significantly decreased the expression and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated c-jun stimulated by M-CSF plus RANKL, but no significant effect on p65 translocation was observed in osteoclasts. Additionally, bakuchiol significantly attenuated the increased of M-CSF plus RANKL-induced phosphorylation of AKT in osteoclasts. Conclusions: Psoralen and bakuchiol ameliorated M-CSF plus RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption via inhibition of AKT and AP-1 pathways activation in vitro.