Work

Choline kinase alpha regulates autophagy-associated exosome release to promote glioma cell progression

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Glioma is the most common primary intracranial malignant tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis. Exosomes released by tumor cells play a crucial role in tumor development, metastasis, angiogenesis, and other biological processes. Despite this significance, the precise molecular mechanisms governing exosome secretion and their impact on tumor progression remain incompletely understood. While Choline Kinase Alpha (CHKA) has been implicated in promoting various types of tumors, its specific role in glioma pathogenesis remains unclear. Our study initially demonstrates that CHKA enhances the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of glioma cells. Interestingly, CHKA also stimulates the release of exosomes from glioma cells. Mechanistically, reduced CHKA expression hampers exosome secretion by elevating autophagy levels in gliomas, whereas counteracting the autophagy elevation resulting from CHKA downregulation restores the release of exosomes. Notably, exosomes derived from glioma cells with normal CHKA expression exhibit a greater capacity to promote glioma progression compared to those derived from cells with low CHKA expression. Overall, our findings suggest that CHKA modulates exosome secretion via an autophagy-dependent pathway, thereby facilitating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. • CHKA regulates autophagy-associated exosome release in glioma cells. • CHKA enhances glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. • Low CHKA expression elevates autophagy, restricting exosome secretion. • Restoring autophagy levels rescues exosome release, highlighting CHKA's role. • The study offers new insights into glioma progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.151269

Authors: Jialin Li, Yang Zhao, Xiao Wu, Yourui Zou, Yang Liu, Hui Ma

Institutions: Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,880