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The multifaceted roles of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in digestive system malignancies: mechanisms and

Boyu Li1, Ziheng Cui1, Yanhua Jin1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, China.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|May 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) play complex roles in digestive cancers. This review synthesizes their mechanisms, heterogeneity, and potential as targeted delivery vehicles for precision oncology.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) are crucial for intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment.
  • Their dual roles in digestive system tumors are not fully understood.
  • A comprehensive review is needed to synthesize current knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the molecular mechanisms of MSC-Exos in regulating digestive tumor progression.
  • To highlight the functional heterogeneity of MSC-Exos across different digestive cancers.
  • To explore the potential of MSC-Exos in precision oncology and drug delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms of MSC-Exos.
  • Analysis of non-coding RNAs and proteins transferred by MSC-Exos.
  • Examination of MSC-Exos' impact on angiogenesis, EMT, immune evasion, and drug resistance.
  • Review of studies on MSC-Exos in colorectal, liver, gastric, and pancreatic cancers.

Main Results:

  • MSC-Exos transfer specific non-coding RNAs and proteins, modulating key tumor progression pathways.
  • Functional roles of MSC-Exos vary significantly across different digestive cancers.
  • Tumor microenvironment signals remodel MSC-Exos cargo, creating feedback loops.
  • MSC-Exos show promise as targeted drug delivery vehicles.

Conclusions:

  • MSC-Exos exhibit complex, context-dependent roles in digestive system tumors.
  • Understanding MSC-Exos' molecular cargo and heterogeneity is vital for therapeutic applications.
  • Engineering MSC-Exos offers a promising avenue for precision oncology in digestive cancers.
Keywords:
cancerdigestive system tumorsexosomesmesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomesmesenchymal stem cells

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