In Vitro Interaction of Melanoma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles with Collagen

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles are now considered as active contributors to melanoma progression through their capacity to modify the tumor microenvironment and to favor the formation of a pre-metastatic niche. These prometastatic roles of tumor-derived EVs would pass through their interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its remodeling, in turn providing a substrate favoring persistent tumor cell migration. Nevertheless, the capacity of EVs to directly interact with ECM components is still questionable. In this study, we use electron microscopy and a pull-down assay to test the capacity of sEVs, derived from different melanoma cell lines, to physically interact with collagen I. We were able to generate collagen fibrils coated with sEVs and to show that melanoma cells release subpopulations of sEVs that can differentially interact with collagen.

Extracellular vesicles - on the cusp of a new language in the biological sciences

“…As an example, melanoma-derived EVs can interact physically with collagen. EVs modulate the extracellular matrix which could have consequences on their diffusion in the tumor microenvironment and therefore affect the capacity of EVs to interact with the different cell types that constitute the tumor microenvironment [ 82 ] .…”

The extracellular vesicles targeting tumor microenvironment: a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma

“…Some EVs have been observed within the matrix and involved in the remodeling of ECM, that will impel the modification of the TME, and the formation of pre-metastatic niches (121, 122). Palmulli et al (123) found that melanomaderived sEVs are able to physically interact with collagen I, the primary fibrous component of the ECM, and then enhanced the activity of metalloproteases at the surface of EVs and the remodeling of the ECM, which is involved in the advancement of malignant tumors. Accordingly, blocking the binding between tumor derived EVs with collagen I may be a feasible therapeutic strategy for melanoma patients (Figure 3).…”

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) as a New Treatment for Melanoma

“…In a study by Palmulli et al (13), it was discovered that melanoma-derived EVs can physically interact with collagen I, a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This interaction enhances the action of surface metalloproteinases on the EVs, leading to ECM remodeling and promoting tumor progression.…”