The role of radiation-induced exosomes in tumor invasion and metastasis

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles with a size of 40∼100 nm in diameter released ubiquitously by cells. They contain a large amount of microRNAs and proteins and play a critical role in intercellular communication. Tumor cells can release more exosomes than normal cells. These exosomes influence tumor environment by transferring proteins, RNAs, and lipids between cells, thus aiding invasion and metastasis. This paper reviewed the structure characteristics, biogenesis, secretion pathway, and the function of radiation-induced exosomes and discussed its role in tumor invasion and metastasis. (authors)