Exosome-derived miR-let-7c promotes angiogenesis in multiple myeloma by polarizing M2 macrophages in the bone marrow microenvironment

Abstract Angiogenesis is an integral part of the multiple myeloma (MM) microenvironment, and affects tumorigenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Exosomes are essential for cell–cell communication and help in regulating the bone marrow microenvironment. Herein, we investigated macrophage polarization and angiogenesis in MM in vitro via exosome-derived miR-let-7c. We observed that exosomal miR-let-7c secreted by mesenchymal stem cells promoted M2 macrophage polarization, thereby enhancing angiogenesis in the bone marrow microenvironment. Suppressing miR-let-7c expression significantly inhibited vascular endothelial cell function in myeloma. Thus, exosomal miR-let-7c may be a reliable biomarker for early prediction of tumor progression and a promising therapeutic target for MM.