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Rab27: Molecular switch of tumor exosome secretion (Review)

Mengtian Tang1, Zhongjian Zhu1, Huaxin Duan1

  • 1Department of Oncology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital and The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Hunan Normal University Health Science Center, Changsha, Hunan 410005, P.R. China.

International Journal of Molecular Medicine
|May 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Rab27 proteins regulate exosome secretion, impacting tumor growth and patient prognosis. Targeting Rab27 offers a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies by disrupting the exosome pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Rab proteins are essential regulators of vesicle trafficking.
  • Rab27 isoforms (Rab27a and Rab27b) control exosome secretion by anchoring multivesicular bodies to the plasma membrane.
  • Aberrant Rab27 expression is linked to cancer progression and patient prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review Rab27's role in exosome secretion and tumorigenesis.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting Rab27 for cancer treatment.
  • To highlight challenges and prospects for Rab27-targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular mechanisms.
  • Analysis of Rab27's function in cancer progression.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting the exosome pathway.

Main Results:

  • Rab27 modulates exosome secretion, promoting malignant progression in tumors.
  • Rab27 serves as a potential prognostic biomarker in various cancers.
  • Small-molecule drugs targeting Rab27 show promise for antitumor effects.

Conclusions:

  • Rab27 is a critical regulator of exosome secretion with significant implications in cancer.
  • Targeting Rab27 presents a viable therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
  • Further research is needed for clinical translation of Rab27-targeted strategies.
Keywords:
Rab27antitumor treatmentbiomarkerexosomessecretiontransport

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