Proteasomes in extracellular vesicles-Emerging roles in cancer progression and intercellular communication

Intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a means by which cells exchange various molecules, including proteins, protein complexes, lipids, nucleic acids, and others. This communication is essential for cellular adaptation to stress, the formation of specialized niches, and the maintenance of homeostasis in organs and tissues. Recent studies have shown that proteasomes, which are multi-subunit cellular proteases, play an emerging role in these processes. The transfer of proteasomes from one cell to another affects the profile of peptides presented on cell membranes, prevents the accumulation of potentially toxic protein aggregates, and modulates various cellular signaling pathways. This review summarizes the current understanding of the significance and mechanisms of proteasome transfer between cells via EVs, with a focus on cancer.