Role of Exosomal MicroRNAs in Cell-to-Cell Communication.

Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicle, are small vesicles (30-100 nm) secreted into extracellular space from almost all types of cells. Exosomes mediate cell-to-cell communication carrying various biologically active molecules including microRNAs. Studies have shown that exosomal microRNAs play fundamental roles in healthy and pathological conditions such as immunity, cancer, and inflammation. In this chapter, we introduce the current knowledge on exosome biogenesis, techniques used in exosome research, and exosomal miRNA and their functions in biological and pathological processes.