Exosomes as miRNA Carriers: Formation-Function-Future

Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Dec 2;17(12):2028. doi: 10.3390/ijms17122028.

Abstract

Exosomes, which are one of the smallest extracellular vesicles released from cells, have been shown to carry different nucleic acids, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs significantly regulate cell growth and metabolism by posttranscriptional inhibition of gene expression. The rapidly changing understanding of exosomes' formation and function in delivering miRNAs from cell to cell has prompted us to review current knowledge in exosomal miRNA secretion mechanisms as well as possible therapeutic applications for personalized medicine.

Keywords: cell metabolism; exosome; extracellular vesicle; miRNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • MicroRNAs