Exosomal tumor-suppressive microRNAs as novel cancer therapy: "exocure" is another choice for cancer treatment

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2013 Mar;65(3):376-82. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.07.011. Epub 2012 Jul 25.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act to fine-tune cellular responses in a variety of biological circumstances such as development, organogenesis, and homeostasis. The dysregulation of miRNA expression accelerates disease progression, including metabolic disease, immunological disease and cancer, through the gene network disorder. Therefore, understanding the miRNA maturation process may unravel the mechanisms of cancer malignancy; however, the life of miRNA has not been clarified. In this article, we summarize the recent findings regarding the novel forms of miRNA, especially secretory miRNAs, focusing on exosomal miRNAs. Recent research has revealed that exosomal miRNAs affect many aspects of physiological and pathological conditions, and may be useful as novel therapy. Here, we propose a method for the delivery of tumor-suppressive miRNAs to desired sites using exosomes, and we named this method "exocure".

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / administration & dosage
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Small Interfering