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Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile
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Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRs): Small molecules with a big role in cancer

Rahul Bhome1, Filippo Del Vecchio2, Gui-Han Lee1

  • 1Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, UK; University Surgical Unit, University of Southampton, UK.

Cancer Letters
|February 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Exosomes, tiny vesicles carrying molecules, are key in cell communication. Their microRNAs (exomiRs) play roles in cancer and show promise as non-invasive cancer biomarkers for personalized medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Exosomes are extracellular vesicles mediating intercellular communication.
  • Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer.
  • MicroRNA loading into exosomes is a regulated, non-random process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functional roles of exomiRs in cancer.
  • To explore the mechanisms of exomiR action, including 'miRceptors'.
  • To highlight the potential of exomiRs as non-invasive cancer biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical studies on exomiRs in cancer.
  • Analysis of emerging mechanisms of exomiR intercellular transfer and function.
  • Evaluation of exomiRs as diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Main Results:

  • ExomiRs influence multiple hallmarks of cancer.
  • Specific exomiR receptors ('miRceptors') are being identified.
  • ExomiRs demonstrate significant potential as non-invasive biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • Exosomal microRNAs are critical mediators in cancer progression.
  • Understanding exomiR mechanisms is vital for therapeutic development.
  • ExomiRs represent a promising avenue for personalized cancer medicine through non-invasive biomarker strategies.
Keywords:
biomarkercancerexomiRexosomemicroRNA

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