title: The role of exosomes and "exosomal shuttle microRNA" in tumorigenesis and drug resistance.
abstract: How are intracellular proteins and nucleic acids transported to the appropriate sites, and how do they function at the proper time? This problem has plagued scientists for a long time. The roles of vesicles, and nanovesicles called exosomes, as carriers were revealed in 2013. Many types of cells can release exosomes, particularly tumor cells. Tumor-derived (TD) exosomes are rich in proteins and nucleic acids derived from parental cells. With the activity of signal transmission, these exosomes can guide communication between cells and induce cancer-related disorders in many signaling pathways. TD-exosomes can be a source of tumor antigen to induce an anti-tumor immune response but can also suppress the immune system. TD-exosomes are especially rich in microRNAs (miRNAs), which are in various pathological and physiological states. Therefore, exosomal miRNA can serve as a new diagnostic marker for cancers. Moreover, miRNAs in exosomes can shuttle between cells to communicate and exchange genetic material. Thus, TD-exosomes can be used as targeted therapies. Cell-type specificity, stability and accessibility from body fluids make exosomes valuable candidates for tumor diagnosis and targeted treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
authors.forename: Wenting
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China. Electronic address: oncology@ccmu.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Bangwei
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D055354:Exosomes / Q000235:genetics*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D035683:MicroRNAs
keywords: Carcinogenesis; Drug resistance; MicroRNAs; Tumor-derived (TD)-exosomes