Abstract
The metastases of malignant tumors develop through a cascade of events. The establishment of a pre-metastatic micro-environment is initiated by communication between tumors and host. Exosomes come into focus as the most potent intercellular communicators playing a pivotal role in this process. Cancer cells release exosomes into the extracellular environment prior to metastasis. Tetraspanin is a type of 4 times transmembrane proteins. It may be involved in cell motility, adhesion, morphogenesis, as well as cell and vesicular membrane fusion. The exosomal tetraspanin network is a molecular scaffold connecting various proteins for signaling transduction. The complex of tetraspanin-integrin determines the recruiting cancer exosomes to pre-metastatic sites. Tetraspanin is a key element for the target cell selection of exosomes uptake that may lead to the reprogramming of target cells. Reprogrammed target cells assist pre-metastatic niche formation. Previous reviews have described the biogenesis, secretion and intercellular interaction of exosomes in various tumors. However, there is a lack of reviews on the topic of exosomal tetraspanin in the context of cancer. In this review, we will describe the main characteristics of exosomal tetraspanin in cancer cells. We will also discuss how the cancer exosomal tetraspanin alters extracellular environment and regulates cancer metastasis.
Highlights
In tumor tissues, diverse types of non-cancer cells intermingle with heterogeneous cancer cells [1]
The results demonstrated that the minor differences in the composition of exosomes cause the distinct uptake by target cells
Our studies demonstrate that the tetraspanin-integrin complex contributes to the selectivity of exosomes binding to target cells [40, 102]
Summary
Diverse types of non-cancer cells intermingle with heterogeneous cancer cells [1]. The level of microRNAs is similar in exosomes and the parent carcinoma cell, while it cannot www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget be detected in health exosomes or cells This investigation indicates that exosomal miRNAs have diagnostic value for ovarian cancer [63]. Many reports show exosomes involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological activities and pathological processes such as the immune system, tissue repair, nervous system of traffic [71], cardiovascular diseases, neuro-degenerative diseases as well as tumors [72] These investigations have demonstrated that exosomes are active rather than passively produced by parent cells. Tetraspanins act as molecular facilitators to modulate the functions of associated molecules [83] They influence cell invasiveness by modulating MMP production and cell adhesion through regulating biogenesis and traffic of corresponding molecules [84, 85].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
