Extracellular Vesicles and Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling in Cancer

Abstract

Complexity in mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression is exemplified by the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, which suppresses early-stage hyperplasia, yet assists aggressive tumors to achieve metastasis. Of note, several molecules, including mRNAs, non-coding RNAs, and proteins known to be associated with the TGF-β pathway have been reported as constituents in the cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are secreted vesicles delimited by a lipid bilayer and play critical functions in intercellular communication, including regulation of the tumor microenvironment and cancer development. Thus, this review aims at summarizing the impact of EVs on TGF-β signaling by focusing on mechanisms by which EV cargo can influence tumorigenesis, metastatic spread, immune evasion and response to anti-cancer treatment. Moreover, we emphasize the potential of TGF-β-related molecules present in circulating EVs as useful biomarkers of prognosis, diagnosis, and prediction of response to treatment in cancer patients.

Keywords: cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF); epithelial – mesenchymal transition (EMT); extracellular vesicle (EV); metastasis; micro-RNA (miRNA); transforming growth factor β (TGF-β).