Exosomal cargos-mediated metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironment

J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2023 Mar 10;42(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s13046-023-02634-z.

Abstract

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer. As nutrients are scarce in the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cells adopt multiple metabolic adaptations to meet their growth requirements. Metabolic reprogramming is not only present in tumor cells, but exosomal cargos mediates intercellular communication between tumor cells and non-tumor cells in the TME, inducing metabolic remodeling to create an outpost of microvascular enrichment and immune escape. Here, we highlight the composition and characteristics of TME, meanwhile summarize the components of exosomal cargos and their corresponding sorting mode. Functionally, these exosomal cargos-mediated metabolic reprogramming improves the "soil" for tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, we discuss the abnormal tumor metabolism targeted by exosomal cargos and its potential antitumor therapy. In conclusion, this review updates the current role of exosomal cargos in TME metabolic reprogramming and enriches the future application scenarios of exosomes.

Keywords: Adipocytes; Angiogenesis; CAFs; ECM; Exosomal cargo; Metabolism; Stellate cells; T lymphocytes; TAMs; TME.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Communication
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment