Exosome-Derived Non-Coding RNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer: Possible Functions, Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death and the third most prevalent malignancy. Colorectal tumors exchange information with the surrounding environment and influence each other, which collectively constitutes the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC. Many studies have shown that exosome-derived non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in various pathophysiological processes by regulating the TME of CRC. This review summarizes recent findings on the fundamental roles of exosomal ncRNAs in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, tumor immunity, tumor metabolism and drug resistance. Certainly, the in-depth understanding of exosomal ncRNAs will provide comprehensive insights into the clinical application of these molecules against CRC.

Exosomal non-coding RNAs: Blueprint in colorectal cancer metastasis and therapeutic targets

“…Exosomal ncRNA-mediated interaction between MSCs and CRC cells in TME is a dynamic mechanism that affects the growth and metastasis of the tumor [ 9 ]. MSCs, an essential element of the TME, can communicate with CRC cells by transferring exosomes that contain different ncRNAs [ 159 ]. These exosomal ncRNAs help MSCs and CRC cells communicate and modulate biological processes, altering the TME and tumor behavior.…”