Exosomal circ_0037104 derived from Hu‐MSCs inhibits cholangiocarcinoma progression by sponging miR‐620 and targeting AFAP1.

Exosomes are membrane‐enclosed nanovesicles that shuttle active cargoes, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), between different cells. Human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (Hu‐MSCs) can migrate to tumor sites and exert complex functions throughout tumor progression. In this study, we successfully isolated Hu‐MSCs from human umbilical cords based on their surface marker expression. Hu‐MSC‐derived exosomes significantly reduced the invasion, migration, and proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. Furthermore, circ_0037104 was downregulated in CCA and inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of CCA cells. Then, we investigated the effect of Hu‐MSC‐derived exosomal circ_0037104 on CCA. Circ_0037104 mainly regulates miR‐620 and enhances APAF1 expression, inhibiting CCA cell proliferation and metastasis. Overall, Hu‐MSC exosomal circ_0037104 contributes to the progression and stemness of CCA cells via miR‐620/APAF1. In conclusion, Hu‐MSC‐derived exosomal circ_0037104 sponges miR‐620 directly and negatively targets APAF1 to suppress CCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]