Abstract

Exosomal Integrins: Biomarkers for Liquid Biopsy

Lucia R. Languino, Professor of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University

Cancer Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) found in blood are heterogeneous and show unique protein compositions. Our analysis shows that a prostate cancer EV subset, designated exosomes, carries a unique repertoire of integrins, which are surface receptors for extracellular matrix.  Using iodixanol gradients, immunoblotting and size measurements we show that integrins are differentially expressed in cancer exosomes. Our recent studies demonstrate that exosomes from prostate cancer cells contribute to horizontal propagation of unique integrin-associated invasive phenotypes.  We also show that exosomal integrins are transferred to cells in the tumor microenvironment and mediate response to therapy. This presentation will discuss the role of exosomal integrins in cancer progression and therapy response, and their potential use as clinical biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis of cancer.