Cancer Letters

Cancer Letters

Volume 420, 28 April 2018, Pages 228-235
Cancer Letters

Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRs): Small molecules with a big role in cancer

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2018.02.002Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • MicroRNAs packaged and secreted in exosomes are termed “exomiRs”.

  • Sorting of miRNAs into exosomes is a selective process.

  • Cancer and stroma-derived exomiRs influence many hallmarks of cancer.

  • ExomiRs are highly promising cancer biomarkers.

Abstract

Exosomes are secreted vesicles which can transmit molecular cargo between cells. Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRs) have drawn much attention in recent years because there is increasing evidence to suggest that loading of microRNAs into exosomes is not a random process. Preclinical studies have identified functional roles for exomiRs in influencing many hallmarks of cancer. Mechanisms underpinning their actions, such as exomiR receptors (“miRceptors”), are now becoming apparent. Even more exciting is the fact that exomiRs are highly suitable candidates for use as non-invasive biomarkers in an era of personalized cancer medicine.

Keywords

exomiR
exosome
microRNA
cancer
biomarker

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