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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
07:29
Tracking miRNA Release into Extracellular Vesicles using Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 6, 2023
The Role of MicroRNAs Carried by Extracellular Vesicles in Tumorigenesis Through Reprogramming the Mitochondrial
Arpita Ghosh-Mitra1, Mansi Patel1, Samarjit Das2
1Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi 110085, India.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying microRNAs (miRNAs) drive cancer by reprogramming mitochondrial function. These EV-miRNAs offer potential as non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of cancer progression, including metastasis and therapeutic resistance.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, mediate intercellular communication, transferring bioactive molecules like microRNAs (miRNAs) to the tumor microenvironment.
- EV-packaged miRNAs can target mitochondrial genes and influence cellular bioenergetics, supporting tumor growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the "EV-miRNA-Mitochondria Axis" and its role in cancer pathogenesis.
- To delineate the molecular mechanisms by which EV-miRNAs reprogram mitochondrial function and impact cancer progression.
- To highlight the potential of EV-miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on EV-miRNA interactions with mitochondria.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms involving miRNA sorting into EVs (e.g., hnRNPA2B1, Lupus La).
- Discussion of how EV-miRNAs modulate mitochondrial dynamics, metabolism, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- EV-miRNAs reprogram the mitochondrial information processing system (MIPS) by altering metabolic cues and signaling networks.
- Specific sorting mechanisms ensure the packaging of oncogenic miRNAs into EVs for targeted delivery.
- EV-miRNAs induce metabolic shifts, manipulate mitochondrial fission/fusion, and inhibit apoptosis, thereby promoting cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- The EV-miRNA-Mitochondria Axis is a critical pathway in cancer development and progression.
- EV-miRNAs act as oncogenic drivers by hijacking mitochondrial functions.
- EV-miRNAs represent promising non-invasive biomarkers for early cancer detection, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring.
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