Introduction

Exosomes are membrane vesicles which are important in the progression, metastasis and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, they have been verified to be potential as biomarkers, targets and drug carriers for pancreatic cancer treatment. Thus, studying the role of exosomes in pancreatic cancer is significant.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the world, as a consequence of late diagnosis, early metastasis and limited response to chemotherapy, under which conditions the potential mechanism of pancreatic cancer progression.

Components of exosomes

Components and structure of exosomes. Exosomes are small vesicular structures carrying various pathogenic miRNAs, mRNAs, DNA fragments, and proteins. The top 5 most identified exosomal proteins are CD9, HSPA8, PDCD6IP, GADPH, and ACTB. HSPA8, heat shock protein family A member 8; PDCD6IP, programmed cell death 6 interacting protein; GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; ACTB, actin β; HSP, heat shock protein; ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1; MHC, major histocompatibility complex; LBPA, lysobisphosphatidic acid.

Origin of exosomes

Exosomes, which are secreted by multiple cell types and by cancer cells, contain functional biomolecules (including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids). They are distinguished from apoptotic bodies and micro vesicles by their heterogeneous size, origin, and composition. Exosomes are released by exocytosis. Thus, on their membranes, exosomes express a variety of markers of multivesicular bodies, such as tetraspanins.

Over the last decade, exosomes have emerged as an important mechanism of cell-cell communication. Exosomes are a subtype of EVs which have featured prominently at the forefront of biomarker research across a range of disease processes, including pregnancy-associated pathologies, a number of cancers and nervous system cellular communication. The MVBs bud inwardly, hence fusing with the plasma membrane and releasing their cargo of exosomes into the extracellular compartment through the exocytotic pathway. This endocytic origin is particularly notable as it attributes exosomes with molecular components from the cell of origin. This includes proteins such as TSG101 CD81, and CD63, as well as miRNA. The diverse exosomal cargo also includes a variety of signaling molecules, such as growth factor receptors and cell adhesion molecules. While the pathways by which exosomes are packed with their molecular cargo are yet to be fully understood, it is known that this is an enzyme and ATP dependent process. Additionally, RAB27A and RAB27B activity have been identified as important in promoting exosome secretion.

Roles of exosomes in pancreatic cancer

5. Exosomes engage in tumorigenesis and the aggressive behavior of pancreatic cancer.
5. Exosomes act as cell-cell communicators.
5. Exosome-mediated immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer.
5. Clinicopathological characteristics of pancreatic cancer associated with exosomes.
5. Exosomes regulate therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer.
5. Exosomal miRNAs and proteins for pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

Circulating exosomes have demonstrated potential as reliable candidates for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, for use in screening high-risk individuals without clinical presentation of cancer, and for monitoring the course of the disease. Accumulating evidence has revealed that exosomes can indicate the clinical management of pancreatic cancer, improve overall survival, and prevent organ-specific metastasis. Nevertheless, the clinical application of exosomes in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer requires further research. More studies are needed to better elucidate the dynamic alteration of serous exosomes in the progression of pancreatic cancer, to evaluate the possibility of plasmatic exosomal biomarker panels for high-risk individuals in a large-scale cohort, and understand the cellular and molecular functions of exosomes in pancreatic cancer.

Our Journal is planning to release a year end special issue has announced almost 50% discount on article publication charges to celebrate its journey for publishing articles with in the short time.

The Journal will publish original articles, reviews, technical notes, editorials, news and views (commentaries, science policy issues, ethical and legal issues, patient organizations, industry needs and alliances, regulatory issues, etc.), and letters to the editor.

The Journal invites different types of articles including original research article, review articles, short note communications, case reports, Editorials, letters to the Editors and expert opinions & commentaries from different regions for publication.

Media Contact:
ALPINE
Managing Editor
Journal of Molecular Oncology Research
Email: aamor@alliedjournals.org