RAB27A, RAB27B and VPS36 are downregulated in advanced prostate cancer and show functional relevance in prostate cancer cells.

Paracrine and long-range signaling via extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes and microvesicles, is deemed crucial for tumorigenesis, invasion and spread of solid tumors. The ESCRT machinery (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) and Rab-proteins act as key players in vesicular trafficking and secretion. Yet, their role in prostate cancer (PCa) is unknown.