Investigation of the therapeutic potential of stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles in cancer therapy–induced cardiac injury

Summary

The project aims to develop novel extracellular vesicle (EV)-based therapies to prevent and treat cardiotoxicity caused by anticancer drugs. Chemotherapeutic and targeted cancer therapies, including doxorubicin, trastuzumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, can induce severe cardiac side effects such as heart failure, for which no specific treatment currently exists. The study investigates the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (ucMSC-EVs) in both in vitro and in vivo models. Particular emphasis is placed on engineering EVs with cardioprotective microRNAs (miRNAs) previously identified and patented by the research group, aiming to enhance their protective efficacy against cancer therapy-induced cardiac damage. The project also seeks to establish quantitative functional assays for EV therapeutics and identify novel molecular mechanisms underlying their cardioprotective effects, paving the way for safer cancer therapies and future clinical translation.

Participating leading researchers, collaboration partners, universities, companies

The project is conducted by a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in cardiovascular biology, molecular medicine, and extracellular vesicle therapeutics. The work builds on previous findings and patented cardioprotective microRNAs associated with researchers including Zoltán Giricz, Zoltán V. Varga, and András Makkos. Collaborations are expected with experts in transcriptomics, proteomics, stem cell biology, and preclinical animal modeling. The project offers opportunities for cooperation with universities, biomedical research institutes, and biotechnology companies focused on EV-based therapeutics and translational drug development.

Applied methods and tools

The study employs primary and immortalized cardiac cell cultures treated with anticancer agents and MSC-derived EVs. Biological activity is quantitatively assessed using viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cardiotoxicity-related signaling pathways are analyzed to evaluate cellular stress responses. Transcriptomic and proteomic approaches are applied to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying EV-mediated cardioprotection. In vivo efficacy is tested in breast tumor xenograft mouse models with cardiac function monitored by echocardiography. MicroRNA loading into EVs is validated through gene expression analyses and molecular characterization techniques.

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Mission and benefits

The mission of the project is to develop innovative extracellular vesicle (EV)-based therapies capable of preventing or reducing cardiac damage caused by anticancer treatments. The research has the potential to improve the long-term safety of cancer therapies, thereby enhancing patient quality of life and survival outcomes. The project represents significant clinical, scientific, and industrial value by supporting the development of novel drug candidates, patentable technologies, and translational therapeutic approaches. It strongly aligns with the university’s strategic goals in biotechnology innovation, international research excellence, healthcare industry collaboration, and the training and retention of young researchers.