Delineating the role of extracellular vesicles in cancer metastasis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are subcellular messengers that aid in the formation and spread of cancer by enabling tumor-stroma communication. EVs develop from the very porous structure of late endosomes and hold information on both the intrinsic “status” of the cell and the extracellular signals absorbed by the cells from their surroundings. These EVs contain physiologically useful components, including as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, which have been found to activate important signaling pathways in tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) cells, aggravating tumor growth. We highlight critical cell biology mechanisms that link EVS formation to cargo sorting in cancer cells in this review.Sorting out the signals that control EVs creation, cargo, and delivery will aid our understanding of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we reviewed how cancer development and spreading behaviors are affected by coordinated communication between malignant and non-malignant cells. Herein, we studied the reciprocal exchanges via EVs in various cancer types. Further research into the pathophysiological functions of various EVs in tumor growth is likely to lead to the discovery of new biomarkers in liquid biopsy and the development of tumor-specific therapies.

3D Culturing of Stem Cells: An Emerging Technique for Advancing Fundamental Research in Regenerative Medicine

“…In the field of cancer research, the improvement of culture techniques has been applied to the study of EVs, which models the environment and physiological conditions that are present in the area surrounding tumours. The role of EVs in tumour physiology is not limited to cell-to-cell communication; rather, they are also a promising source of biomarkers, a tool to deliver drugs, and a mechanism to induce antitumor activity [10,85]. Extracellular vesicles, also known as EVs, were discovered in the 1980s and were initially thought to be carriers of waste products that were produced inside of cells [86].…”

“…Extracellular vesicles, also known as EVs, were discovered in the 1980s and were initially thought to be carriers of waste products that were produced inside of cells [86]. After it was discovered that RNA could be found enclosed within the lipid membrane of EVs, approximately 20 years later, EVs began to be seen in a different light; specifically, as crucial mediators in the process of intercellular communication [87]. The nucleic acids contained in EV RNAs were found to be distinct from those found in the cell from which they originated, displaying distinct sequences and even concentration profiles.…”

HNRNPU's multi‐tasking is essential for proper cortical development

“…The tissue of origin determines it and consists of various biologically active molecules: proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids. EVs can thus act as messengers between cells and play an essential role in events such as innate and adaptive immune response, [ 92 ] pregnancy, [ 93 ] cancer, [ 94 ] and more. Cargos such as ncRNAs and mRNA can retain their function and act in the recipient cells and may directly impact the levels of specific transcripts.…”

Extracellular Vesicle (EVs) Associated Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Cancer and Therapeutics

“…By definition, a population of sub-micron sized membrane bound vesicular structure released by cells in its extracellular environment are collectively referred to as Extracellular vesicles or EVs [ 13 , 14 ] Figure 1 . All prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can produce these structures in a way that has been conserved throughout evolution [ 15 ].…”

“…Extracellular vesicles (EVs)/Exosomes are the latest addition to the liquid biopsy fraternity and by several unique characteristics, have been proven superior to cfDNA and CTCs ( Table 1 ). Exosomes have recently received much interest due to their potential significance in cancer physiology [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Both lung cancer patient’s blood and tumor tissues have been found to have unique exosome-ncRNAs signatures.…”