Title:Crosstalk between Exosomes and CAFs During Tumorigenesis, Exosomederived
Biomarkers, and Exosome-mediated Drug Delivery
Volume: 20
Issue: 8
Author(s): Xian Li, Xinlin Wu and Xiulan Su*
Affiliation:
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology in Inner Mongolia, Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of
Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010050, China
Keywords:
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts, exosomes, tumorigenesis, diagnostic biomarkers, drug delivery, microenvironment.
Abstract: Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) originate from the activation of fibroblasts in the
Tumor Microenvironment (TME) during tumorigenesis, resulting in the promotion of tumor growth,
metabolism, and metastasis. Exosomes, which can locally or remotely transfer miRNAs, lncRNAs,
proteins, metabolites, and other substances to other cells, have a size and range distribution of 30 to
150 nm and have been described as new particles that mediate communication among neighboring
and/or distant cells. Exosomes have regulatory roles in the tumor microenvironment that are different
from those in the tumor cells, including mediating the regulation of tumor progression, delivery
of miRNAs involved in reprogramming Normal Fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs, and the modulation of
tumor initiation and metastasis. Exosomes can be useful biomarkers of the tumor microenvironment
and for the therapy and diagnosis of different diseases. Relevant interactions with cancer cells reprogram
NFs into CAFs or allow cell-to-cell communication between CAFs and cancer cells. Several
researchers have started exploring the precise molecular mechanisms related to exosome secretion,
uptake, composition, and corresponding functions of their "cargo." However, little is known about
the processes by which exosomes affect cancer behavior and their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers
for cancer treatment. Therefore, the crosstalk between CAFs and exosomes during tumorigenesis
and the effects of exosomes as biomarkers and drug carriers for therapy are discussed in this
review.