Delivery of cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles modulates the morphology and gene expression of Barrett esophagus and duodenal organoids (Article)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) facilitate intercellular communication, especially in the signaling mechanisms employed by tumor cells to influence both local and distant cells and tissues. This study investigated the impact of cancer cell-derived EVs (CEVs) on patient-derived organoids. Co-culture experiments examined the morphology, growth, proliferation, and cancer-related gene/miRNA expression in Barrett's esophagus (BE) and duodenal organoids. Our results indicate that CEVs promoted organoid proliferation, increased cancer-related mRNA/miRNA expression, and induced phenotypic changes. Artificial modulation of specific oncomiRNAs in CEVs—such as miR-21 and miR-210, influenced CEV-mediated effects on co-cultured organoid growth. These findings align with EV-mediated transformations in benign organoid models, providing a valuable tool to study EV-associated miRNAs/proteins in gastrointestinal preneoplastic/neoplastic conditions and potentially other organs. This lays a foundation for future research on cancer cell-microenvironment interactions and EV roles in tumorigenesis/metastasis.