Tumour-derived exosomes: Tiny envelopes for big stories.

The discovery of exosomes, which are small, 30-100 nm sized extracellular vesicles that are released by virtual all cells, has initiated a rapidly expanding and vibrant research field. Current investigations are mainly directed toward the role of exosomes in intercellular communication and their potential value as biomarkers for a broad set of diseases. By horizontal transfer of molecular information such as micro RNAs, messenger RNAs or proteins, as well as by receptor-cell interactions, exosomes are capable to mediate the reprogramming of surrounding cells.

First identification of Ewing's sarcoma-derived extracellular vesicles and exploration of their biological and potential diagnostic implications.

Background Information: Exosomes are small RNA- and protein-containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are thought to mediate hetero- and homotypic intercellular communication between normal and malignant cells.Tumour-derived exosomes are believed to promote re-programming of the tumour-associated stroma to favour tumour growth and metastasis. Currently, exosomes have been intensively studied in carcinomas.