Maria Elisabetta Ruaro

Dr. Maria Elisabetta Ruaro

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 May 2019 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IMIvana Manini
Ivana Manini
MRMaria Elisabetta Ruaro
Maria Elisabetta Ruaro
RSRiccardo Sgarra
Riccardo Sgarra
ABAnna Bartolini
Anna Bartolini
FCFederica Caponnetto
Federica Caponnetto
DCDaniela Cesselli
Daniela Cesselli
Exosomes are one of the most important mediators of the cross talk occurring between glioma stem cells (GSCs) and the surrounding microenvironment. We have previously shown that exosomes released by patient-derived glioma-associated stem cells (GASC) are able to increase, in vitro, the aggressiveness of both GSC and glioblastoma cell lines. To understand which molecules are responsible for this tumour-supporting function, we performed a descriptive proteomic analysis of GASC-exosomes and identified, among the others, Semaphorin7A (SEMA7A). SEMA7A was described as a promigratory cue in physiological and pathological conditions, and we hypothesised that it could modulate GSC migratory properties. Here, we described that SEMA7A is exposed on GASC-exosomes’ surface and signals to GSC through Integrin β1. This interaction activates focal adhesion kinase into GSC and increases their motility, in our patient-based in vitro model. Our findings suggest SEMA7A-β1-integrin as a new target to disrupt the communication between GSCs and the supporting microenvironment.