Extracellular vesicles and Wnt signaling: New implications for cancer research

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47184/tev.2023.01.04

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important players in intercellular communication, capable of transferring signaling molecules between cells and altering their behavior and function. More and more studies reveal an association of factors of the Wnt pathway with EVs. A tight and coordinated regulation of Wnt signaling is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis, and dysregulation has been associated with several diseases, including cancer. The influence of Wnt signaling on EV biogenesis has revealed a new mechanism by which Wnt proteins can regulate the creation of a favorable tumor microenvironment promoting the growth and survival of cancer cells. This review summarizes our current understanding of the connections between EVs and Wnt signaling and discusses their relevance in human cancer.

Keywords: extracellular vesicles, Wnt signaling, cancer, biogenesis, biomarkers

Extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of small, membrane-enclosed nanoparticles released by cells into the extracellular space. They can be categorized into two main subpopulations, small EVs (sEVs) and large EVs (lEVs), which differ in their biogenesis, size, and cargo (Fig. 1).

To be able to access the page content* you need a free MyTrillium account. Please log in with your MyTrillium credentials or register for free.

*Some contents are reserved for medical professionals due to legal regulations in accordance with the German Drug Advertising Act (Heilmittelwerbegesetz (HWG)).