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Exosomal microRNA remodels the tumor microenvironment
Xiaoli Jiang1, Song Hu2, Qiang Liu3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China.
Peerj
|January 6, 2018
Summary
Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate communication within and outside the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer progression and metastasis. This review explores endogenous and exogenous exosomal miRNAs
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tumor progression, metastasis, and occurrence are influenced by tumor cell and stromal cell crosstalk, as well as external factors.
- Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are key mediators of intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and between the TME and the external environment.
- Existing reviews primarily focus on endogenous exosomal miRNAs' role in TME remodeling, neglecting exogenous sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of endogenous exosomal miRNAs in mediating intercellular crosstalk within the TME and in premetastatic niche formation.
- To summarize recent findings on how exogenous miRNAs from milk, plants, and microbes influence the TME.
- To propose future research directions for enhancing the clinical utility of exosomal miRNAs in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on exosomal miRNA in cancer.
- Analysis of endogenous and exogenous exosomal miRNAs' impact on tumor microenvironment.
- Synthesis of current knowledge and identification of research gaps.
Main Results:
- Endogenous exosomal miRNAs facilitate intercellular communication within the TME, promoting premetastatic niche formation.
- Exogenous miRNAs from dietary and microbial sources can modulate the TME, affecting tumor progression.
- Exosomal miRNAs play a multifaceted role in cancer development and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Exosomal miRNAs, both endogenous and exogenous, are critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression.
- Understanding the dual role of exosomal miRNAs offers new avenues for cancer research and therapeutic strategies.
- Further investigation into exogenous exosomal miRNAs is warranted for novel cancer treatment development.
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