Melatonin inhibits small extracellular vesicle delivery and CTNND1 reduces the migration ability of bladder cancer cells

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as critical mediators of intercellular communication, capable of shuttling functional molecules from donor to recipient cells. Their direct impact on target cells can profoundly influence local and systemic environments, thereby promoting cancer growth and metastasis. Although several studies have explored the relationship between sEVs and various types of cancer, only few studies have been conducted on bladder cancer specifically.Methods This study used an in vitro approach and multiple assays to investigate whether melatonin affects catenin delta 1 (CTNND1) transmission through sEVs and how CTNND1 regulates the growth and migration of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) cells.Results We observed significantly elevated CTNND1 levels in BLCA cells. CTNND1 secreted by these cells could be delivered to recipient cells via sEVs. We further uncovered significant alterations in cellular behaviors upon delivery of sEVs, namely in terms of proliferation and migration. By delineating the biological functions of CTNND1 in BLCA cells, we have unveiled the potential of modulating CTNND1 expression as a promising avenue for clinical therapeutic intervention.Conclusion Our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between sEV-mediated cargo transfer and the regulation of CTNND1, offering valuable insights into novel therapeutic strategies for BLCA.