The effect of ATP and ionomycinon release of exosomesin cellular models of lung and braincancer

Exosomes are small extracellular vesiclesthat mediate cell-cell communication. Theyare secreted from the cell when a specialized exosome-containing vesicle termed multivesicular body fuses with the plasma membrane (Meldolesi, 2018; Van Niel, D’Angelo, & Raposo, 2018). Exosomesecretion is increased in cancer and promotestumour progression and metastasis(Azmi, Bao, & Sarkar, 2014; Rajagopal & Harikumar, 2018). Exosomal cargotypically includesnucleic acids, such as microRNAs (miRNA) and non-coding RNAs, as well as cytoplasmic and transmembrane proteins. MiRNA and proteins in exosomes differ between normal and cancer cells in adult as well as in paediatric cancers (Josson et al., 2015; Rajagopal & Harikumar, 2018; Skog et al., 2008; Tuzesi et al., 2017). Exosomes are present in all body fluids and their surface molecules target them to recipient cells. The mechanisms of exosome secretionare not yet clear and will be the focus of this project.

Grant Award – Kidscan Student Placement (2019 – 2020)

Funding Award – £2000.00

Funding Awarded to – Dr Pika Miklavc

Research Location – University of Salford

Lead Researcher – Dr Pika Miklavc