Role of Exosomal Noncoding RNAs in Lung Carcinogenesis

Biomed Res Int. 2015:2015:125807. doi: 10.1155/2015/125807. Epub 2015 Oct 25.

Abstract

Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer death worldwide. Novel, recently discovered classes of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have diverse functional and regulatory activities and increasing evidence suggests crucial roles for deregulated ncRNAs in the onset and progression of cancer, including lung cancer. Exosomes are small extracellular membrane vesicles of endocytic origin that are released by many cells and are found in most body fluids. Tumor-derived exosomes mediate tumorigenesis by facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subclass of ncRNAs that are present in exosomes. miRNAs are taken up by neighboring or distant cells and modulate various functions of recipient cells. Here, we review exosome-derived ncRNAs with a focus on miRNAs and their role in lung cancer biology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / genetics*
  • Exosomes / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • MicroRNAs / biosynthesis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • RNA, Untranslated / biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Untranslated