Migrasomes in the tumor microenvironment: Functional roles and therapeutic potential

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Cancer Research
• Immunology

Background:

• Migrasomes are large extracellular vesicles (0.5-3 µm) with a unique pomegranate structure, formed during cell migration.
• They facilitate intercellular communication by transferring proteins, RNAs, and signaling molecules, particularly within the tumor microenvironment.
• Unlike other extracellular vesicles, migrasomes have distinct roles in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding migrasome biogenesis, composition, and functional roles in cancer.
• To highlight migrasome contributions to tumor angiogenesis, ECM remodeling, and immune escape.
• To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of migrasomes in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific advances in migrasome research.
• Analysis of pan-cancer evidence correlating migrasome abundance with gene signatures.
• Examination of migrasome roles in regulating immune and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

• Migrasomes contribute to tumor angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and immune escape.
• They regulate tumor-associated macrophages, T cells, and other immune/stromal cells.
• High migrasome abundance correlates with immunosuppressive gene signatures, immune checkpoint expression, and TIDE scores.

Conclusions:

• Migrasomes play significant roles in cancer progression and immune evasion.
• They show promising potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer.
• Further research is needed to advance migrasome understanding toward clinical translation.