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The multifaceted roles of small extracellular vesicles in metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironments

Zhixian Chen1, Judy Wai Ping Yam1, Xiaowen Mao2

  • 1Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Proteomics
|January 3, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are key players in tumor progression, mediating communication between cancer cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. This review summarizes how sEVs alter metabolism in the tumor microenvironment and suggests therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • The relationship between metabolism and tumor progression is complex and involves intricate regulatory networks within the tumor microenvironment.
  • Metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized for its multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression.
  • Intercellular communication is vital in shaping the tumor microenvironment, with small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) emerging as critical mediators.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the diverse functions of sEVs in modulating cellular metabolism within the tumor microenvironment.
  • To highlight the complex feedback loops established by sEVs derived from various cell types (tumor cells, TAMs, CAFs).
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets based on the mechanisms of sEV-mediated metabolic reprogramming.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of recent studies on sEVs and tumor metabolism.
  • Analysis of research focusing on sEVs derived from tumor cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
  • Synthesis of findings regarding the impact of sEVs on metabolic reprogramming in different cell types within the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • sEVs play a significant role in facilitating intercellular communication and regulating metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironments.
  • sEVs from tumor cells, TAMs, and CAFs engage in mutual interactions, creating complex feedback loops that influence tumor progression.
  • Specific mechanisms by which sEVs alter metabolism in various cell types have been identified across multiple studies.

Conclusions:

  • sEVs are crucial regulators of metabolic reprogramming within the tumor microenvironment, impacting cancer progression.
  • Understanding the intricate roles of sEVs in intercellular communication offers new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
  • Targeting sEV-mediated metabolic pathways presents a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
small extracellular vesiclestumor microenvironment

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