Open Access

Role of Alix in miRNA packaging during extracellular vesicle biogenesis

  • Authors:
    • Alessandra Iavello
    • Valeska S.L. Frech
    • Chiara Gai
    • Maria Chiara Deregibus
    • Peter J. Quesenberry
    • Giovanni Camussi
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: February 12, 2016     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2016.2488
  • Pages: 958-966
  • Copyright: © Iavello et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Evidence indicates that Alix, an accessory protein of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT), is involved in the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain selected patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs); however, little is known about the mechanisms of miRNA enrichment in EVs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether Alix is involved in the packaging of miRNAs within EVs released by human liver stem‑like cells (HLSCs). EVs released from HLSCs were enriched with miRNAs and expressed Alix and several RNA-binding proteins, including Argonaute 2 (Ago2), a member of the Argonaute family known to be involved in the transport and the processing of miRNAs. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed an association between Alix and Ago2. The results from RT-qPCR indicated that in the Alix/Ago2 immunoprecipitates, miRNAs were detectable. EVs were instrumental in transferring selected miRNAs from HLSCs to human endothelial cells absent in the latter cells. Alix knockdown did not influence the number of EVs released by HLSCs, but it significantly decreased miRNA expression levels in the EVs and consequently their transfer to the endothelium. Our findings indicate that Alix binds to Ago2 and miRNAs, suggesting that it plays a key role in miRNA enrichment during EV biogenesis. These results may represent a novel function of Alix, demonstrating its involvement in the EV-mediated transfer of miRNAs.
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April-2016
Volume 37 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Spandidos Publications style
Iavello A, Frech VS, Gai C, Deregibus MC, Quesenberry PJ and Camussi G: Role of Alix in miRNA packaging during extracellular vesicle biogenesis. Int J Mol Med 37: 958-966, 2016.
APA
Iavello, A., Frech, V.S., Gai, C., Deregibus, M.C., Quesenberry, P.J., & Camussi, G. (2016). Role of Alix in miRNA packaging during extracellular vesicle biogenesis. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 37, 958-966. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2016.2488
MLA
Iavello, A., Frech, V. S., Gai, C., Deregibus, M. C., Quesenberry, P. J., Camussi, G."Role of Alix in miRNA packaging during extracellular vesicle biogenesis". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 37.4 (2016): 958-966.
Chicago
Iavello, A., Frech, V. S., Gai, C., Deregibus, M. C., Quesenberry, P. J., Camussi, G."Role of Alix in miRNA packaging during extracellular vesicle biogenesis". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 37, no. 4 (2016): 958-966. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2016.2488