Exosomes in cancer metastasis: Novel targets for diagnosis and therapy?

Tumour cells secrete small membrane vesicles (30-100nm) termed exosomes that are derived from late endosomal compartments of cells. Exosomes are increasingly being recognised for their role in intercellular communication in the tumour microenvironment. Exosomes contain an array of proteins, messenger RNA (mRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA), which are transferred from donor to target cells, thereby mediating local and systemic cell communication. Here, we review the functional role tumour-derived exosomes play in controlling tumour progression and its metastasis, as well as the potential to use exosomes in the diagnosis and targeting of cancers