Exosomal miRNAs in tumor microenvironment

• Main Authors: Shiming Tan, Longzheng Xia, Pin Yi, Yaqian Han, Lu Tang, Qing Pan, Yutong Tian, Shan Rao, Linda Oyang, Jiaxin Liang, Jinguan Lin, Min Su, Yingrui Shi, Deliang Cao, Yujuan Zhou, Qianjin Liao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020-04-01
• Series: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research
• Subjects: exosomal miRNAs; tumor microenvironment (TME); CAFs; angiogenesis; immune microenvironment
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13046-020-01570-6

Abstract Tumor microenvironment (TME) is the internal environment in which tumor cells survive, consisting of tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, as well as non-cellular components, such as exosomes and cytokines. Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles (40-160nm) containing active substances, such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Exosomes carry biologically active miRNAs to shuttle between tumor cells and TME, thereby affecting tumor development. Tumor-derived exosomal miRNAs induce matrix reprogramming in TME, creating a microenvironment that is conducive to tumor growth, metastasis, immune escape and chemotherapy resistance. In this review, we updated the role of exosomal miRNAs in the process of TME reshaping.