Exosomal microRNAs in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Cancer cells have been shown to release a variety of extracellular membrane vesicles including microvesicles known as exosomes. Exosomes have recently been found to contain microRNAs (miRNAs) however the full range within colorectal cancer cell secreted exosomes is unknown. Profiling exosomal miRNAs released by colorectal cancer cells may provide valuable information on the pathogenesis of cancer and novel miRNAs ideal for further investigation as biomarkers. As exosomes are immunologically inert and easily cross physiological barriers, investigating the potential for exosome mediated delivery of miRNAs may have exciting therapeutic applications.