The fusion of two worlds: Non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles - diagnostic and therapeutic implications (Review)

Abstract

The role of the extracellular non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs present in tumor-derived extravesicles, has been intensively exploited in human cancer as a promising tool for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Current knowledge on exosomes shows an important role not only as vehicles in the intercellular communication, but the transfer of their content can specifically modulate the surrounding microenvironment, leading to tumor development and progression and affecting therapy response. Based on this, much effort has focused on understanding the mechanisms behind the biology of exosomes and their closely interaction with non-coding RNAs as an efficient tool in tumor diagnostic and therapy. Here we summarize the current knowledge on extracellular and exosomes-enclosed non-coding RNAs, and their importance as potential biomarkers and mediators of intercellular communication in tumor biology.

Effect on Intermittent Hypoxia on Plasma Exosomal Micro RNA Signature and Endothelial Function in Healthy Adults

“…56 These exosomal RNAs can be taken up by either neighboring cells or by distant cells, and modulate recipient cell protein production and gene expression. Furthermore, exosomes can activate or inactivate different pathways on surrounding or remotely located cells, depending on their molecular composition, which is influenced by the activation state of the secreting cell.…”

Characteristics of exosomes andmicroparticles discovered in human tears

“…Эти структуры в настоящее время рассматриваются в качестве универсальной информационной системы организма, обеспечивающей передачу молекулярных сигналов (белки, различные РНК, гликопротеины, липиды) между его органными и клеточными системами. Экзосомы не только обеспечивают адресную доставку молекулярных сигналов клеткам-реципиентам, но и несут уникальные маркеры клетки-продуцента, что делает их многообещающим субстратом в диагностических исследованиях, в первую очередь, с использованием их малых РНК и белков [3,26]. Недавние исследования экзосом водянистой влаги глаза выявили около 10 различных микроРНК, связанных с патогенезом глаукомы [27].…”

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: From pathophysiology to clinical approach

“…Their deregulation has been associated with the development of cancer, and some subsets of neoplasm have been extensively studied in the field of miRNAs with results that point to the influence of deregulated miRNAs in the staging, prognosis and response to therapy [23] . They have the capacity to regulate gene expression, to influence neighbor cells and even to be packed and transported extracellularly, entering the bloodstream, and modulating cells at distant site in an hormonelike action [24] . This subtype of RNA can be extracted from several body fluids, is longliving in vivo and very stable in vitro which enables miRNA profiling techniques to be extremely sensitive, objective and standardized, characteristics that make miRNAs potential biomar kers [25] .…”