ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the interactions between melanoma-derived exosomes and the microenvironment.Methods The exosomes were isolated from the culture medium of mouse melanoma cells and then co-cuhured with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) after identification.Immunofluorescence assay was performed to observe the exosomes engulfed by MSC.CCK-8 and transwell assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and migration of MSC.Effects of the exosomes on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in MSC were analyzed by Western blot.Results Co-culture of MSC with melanoma cell-derived exosomes enhanced the proliferation and migration of MSC as well as the expression of α-SMA.All of the changes mediated by the exosomes could be blocked by using the inhibitor of TGF-β receptor.Conclusion Melanoma cell-derived exosomes enhanced the proliferation and migration of MSC as well as the expression of α-SMA through TGF-β signaling pathway,which provided an advantageous microenvironment for melanoma progression.