Exosomes are extracellular microvesicles released from cells, which are involved in many biological and pathological processes, mainly because of their role in intercellular communication. Exosomes derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are related to oncogenesis, tumor cell survival, chemo-resistance, and metastasis. The role of the exosomes in these processes involves the transfer of proteins, RNAs, or mutant versions of proto-oncogenes to the target cells. In recent years, great efforts have been made to identify useful biomarkers in CRC exosomes for diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and treatment response. This review focuses on recent studies on CRC exosomes, considering isolation, cargo, biomarkers, and the effects of exosomes on the development and progression of CRC, including resistance to antitumor therapy.
Journal article
Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
04/2018
33
792 - 799
Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Humans, Colorectal Neoplasms, Disease Progression, Neoplasm Proteins, RNA, Neoplasm, Prognosis, Protein Transport, Drug Resistance, Neoplasm, Mutation, Proto-Oncogenes, Exosomes, Carcinogenesis, Biomarkers, Tumor