Advances in the role of microRNA transported by tumor-derived exosome in tumor progression

The discovery of exosome which plays a special role in mediating the transfer of genetic materials, can explain many pathological and physiological phenomenon for which the classical pathway of intercellular communication can not explain. Some studies found that the process of tumor development and progression can be influenced by exosome-drived microRNA through inhibiting the transcription of target genes. Based on the current knowledge of intercellular transfer of microRNAs mediated by tumor-drived-exosomes, it suggests that the tumor-drived-exosome can act as a marker in diagnosis of clinical staging and evaluation of prognosis. With the further progress in research, microRNA transferred by the tumor-drived-exosome may offer a new target for gene therapy and bring a new direction for diagnosis and treatment of tumor. DOI:10.3781/j.issn.1000-7431.2014.55.341