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The biology and function of exosomes in cancer
Raghu Kalluri
Raghu Kalluri
Published April 1, 2016
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2016;126(4):1208-1215. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI81135.
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Review Series

The biology and function of exosomes in cancer

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Abstract

Humans circulate quadrillions of exosomes at all times. Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles released by all cells, with a size range of 40–150 nm and a lipid bilayer membrane. Exosomes contain DNA, RNA, and proteins. Exosomes likely remove excess and/or unnecessary constituents from the cells, functioning like garbage bags, although their precise physiological role remains unknown. Additionally, exosomes may mediate specific cell-to-cell communication and activate signaling pathways in cells they fuse or interact with. Exosomes are detected in the tumor microenvironment, and emerging evidence suggests that they play a role in facilitating tumorigenesis by regulating angiogenesis, immunity, and metastasis. Circulating exosomes can be used as liquid biopsies and noninvasive biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer patients.

Authors

Raghu Kalluri

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Figure 3

Sequencing of exosomal DNA and RNA can identify all driver and passenger mutations and deletions, providing information on actionable genetic defects associated with cancer.

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Sequencing of exosomal DNA and RNA can identify all driver and passenger...
Tumors contain a heterogeneous mix of cancer cells. Clonal heterogeneity emerges when different sets of mutations and deletions drive different cancer cell clones, generating zones within tumors that contain unique sets of cancer cells with defined genetics. Therefore, tumor biopsies or portions cannot provide a view of the entire landscape of cancer-associated genetic defects. Analysis of cancer exosomes from the patient’s blood can potentially overcome this limitation and offer genetic information reflecting the status of all the cancer cells in the tumor in order to account for tumor heterogeneity.

Copyright © 2025 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)

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