microRNA exchange via extracellular vesicles in cancer

Abstract

Cells utilize different means of inter‐cellular communication to function properly. Here, we review the crosstalk between cancer cells and their surrounding environment through microRNA (miRNA)‐containing extracellular vesicles (EVs). The current findings suggest that the export of miRNAs and uptake of miRNA‐containing EVs might be an active process. As post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression, cancer‐derived miRNAs that are taken up by normal cells can change the translational profile of the recipient cell towards a transformed proteome. Stromal cells can also deliver miRNAs via EVs to cancer cells to support tumour growth and cancer progression. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of EV‐mediated inter‐cellular communication in the tumour microenvironment might lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Abstract

Cancer cells communicate mutually with tumour microenvironment (TME) cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs). Cancer cells secrete miRNAs into EVs that are subsequently taken up by TME cells in which miRNAs promote a tumour‐supportive phenotype. Cancer cells also receive exogenous miRNAs from TME cell–derived EVs to support tumour growth. This bidirectional signalling results in tumour progression and metastasis.