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Small but mighty: microparticles as mediators of tumor progression
Tali Voloshin1, Ella Fremder, Yuval Shaked
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
Abstract:
A wide spectrum of both normal and diseased cell types shed extracellular vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication without direct cell-to-cell contact. Microparticles (MPs) are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that participate in multiple biological processes. They carry abundant bioactive molecules including different forms of nucleic acids and proteins that can markedly modulate cellular behavior. MPs are involved in several hallmarks of cancer such as drug resistance, thrombosis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. Such MPs originate from either cancer or other host cells. As MPs are secreted and can be detected in various body fluids, they can be used as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as vehicles for delivery of cytotoxic drugs. This review summarizes accumulating evidence on the biological properties of MPs in cancer, with reference to their potential usage in clinical settings.
Insights
Microparticles (MPs), a type of extracellular vesicle, are shed by cancer cells and influence tumor progression. These bioactive particles show promise as cancer biomarkers and drug delivery vehicles.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication.
- Microparticles (MPs) are a subtype of EVs involved in numerous biological processes.
- MPs carry bioactive molecules that can alter cellular behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological properties of MPs in cancer.
- To explore the potential clinical applications of MPs in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on MPs in cancer.
- Analysis of the role of MPs in cancer hallmarks.
- Evaluation of MPs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and drug delivery systems.
Main Results:
- MPs are implicated in cancer hallmarks: drug resistance, thrombosis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis.
- MPs can originate from both cancer cells and host cells.
- MPs are detectable in body fluids, suggesting diagnostic and prognostic potential.
Conclusions:
- MPs play a significant role in cancer progression and metastasis.
- MPs hold potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- MPs may serve as effective vehicles for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy.
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