Microvesicles in Cancer: Small Size, Large Potential

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are secreted by all cell types in a tumor and its microenvironment (TME), playing an essential role in intercellular communication and the establishment of a TME favorable for tumor invasion and metastasis. They encompass a variety of vesicle populations, among them the well-known endosomal-derived small exosomes (Exo), but also larger vesicles (diameter > 100 nm) that are shed directly from the plasma membrane, the so-called microvesicles (MV). Increasing evidence suggests that MV, although biologically different, share the tumor-promoting features of Exo in the TME. Due to their larger size, they can be readily harvested from patients’ blood and characterized by routine methods such as conventional flow cytometry, exploiting the plethora of molecules expressed on their surface. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the biology and the composition of MV, as well as their role within the TME. We highlight not only the challenges and potential of MV as novel biomarkers for cancer, but also discuss their possible use for therapeutic intervention.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: Progress and Opportunity

“…However, the specific markers of MV are still lacking; it is hard to differentiate the MVs from other subgroups of EVs by proteins markers. Since the results obtained from current studies have shown that MVs can be used as good biomarkers for diseases without excluding the existence of other vesicles, pure MVs seem not to be necessary in clinical analysis [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. With the large size, ABs can be easily distinguished from smaller vesicles by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA).…”

Prostasomes (Exosomes) Mediate Functional Abilities to Recipient Cells through Transfer of Proteins and Nucleic Acids: A Comprehensive Model for Exosomal Intercellular Communication

“…Cancer cell derived exosomes promote formation of metastases by initiating epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) within the tumor microenvironment. They will also travel to distant places (even passing the blood brain barrier) via various interstitial fluids in the extracellular space and be selectively taken up and induce transformation of normal cells into malignant cells [40][41][42][43][44].…”

PD-L1 Expression on Circulating Tumour-Derived Microvesicles as a Complementary Tool for Stratification of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patients

“…In the context of cancer biology, evidence is rising that tumour cells, including OC cells, secrete EVs that carry a cargo which is typical of the cell of origin, which facilitates the spread of cancer by priming distant areas of the body to be cancer cell-friendly [27][28][29]. In the OC setting, several studies have pointed to the relevance of EVs present in patients' plasma, serum, and ascites.…”