MicroRNA Shuttle from Cell-To-Cell by Exosomes and Its Impact in Cancer

• Main Authors: Heidi Schwarzenbach, Peter B. Gahan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-03-01
• Series: Non-Coding RNA
• Subjects: microRNA biogenesis; microRNA functions; microRNA pathways; exosome biogenesis; exosome functions; exosomal signaling; breast cancer; epithelial; ovarian cancer; prostate cancer
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2311-553X/5/1/28

The identification of exosomes, their link to multivesicular bodies and their potential role as a messenger vehicle between cancer and healthy cells opens up a new approach to the study of intercellular signaling. Furthermore, the fact that their main cargo is likely to be microRNAs (miRNAs) provides the possibility of the transfer of such molecules to control activities in the recipient cells. This review concerns a brief overview of the biogenesis of both exosomes and miRNAs together with the movement of such structures between cells. The possible roles of miRNAs in the development and progression of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers are discussed.