Abstract

Exosomal-miRNA Signatures in Circulation

Michiel Pegtel, Associate Professor, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam

The peripheral blood is rich in cell-free microRNAs (miRNA) that are derived from both living and dying cells. A proportion of these miRNAs are protected from RNAses within vesicles including apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes. In vitro, exosomes can transport miRNAs to recipient cells, which may also occur in vivo although the physiological relevance and molecular mechanisms of cell-cell transfer of miRNAs has not been established. In this presentation I will discuss our clinical studies concerning exosomal miRNAs as cancer biomarkers for therapy response evaluation and the potential of exosomes as therapeutic delivery vehicles.