Migrasomes in cancers: from the biogenesis mechanism to therapeutic implications

Abstract

Migrasomes are a newly identified class of extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a distinctive pomegranate-like morphology that are generated specifically from migrating cells. They are increasingly recognized as critically important mediators of intercellular communication involved in diverse physiological and pathological processes. However, their roles in cancers remain incompletely defined, and a consensus on migrasome-mediated malignant phenotypes is still lacking. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of migrasome biogenesis, distribution, and isolation methodologies. We then systematically discuss the multifaceted roles of migrasomes within the tumor microenvironment (TME), with particular emphasis on their contribution to cancer metastasis, progression and drug resistance. Furthermore, we explore the potential clinical applications of migrasomes in cancer diagnosis and therapy, and outline the key challenges and controversies that hinder their translation into clinical practice. Overall, this review provides an updated perspective on the roles of migrasomes in cancer biology and highlights the emerging opportunities for migrasome-informed targeted therapeutics.

Keywords

Migrasome / cancer / drug resistance / diagnosis / therapy

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