Exosomal miRNA: Small Molecules, Big Impact in Colorectal Cancer

Figure 3

Proposed models for the dual roles of exosomal miR-200 family members on TME in CRC. (a) Upon decitabine (DAC) treatment, CRC cells enter a MET process that stimulates the release of miR-141/miR-200c enriched exosomes. (b) In endothelial cells, exosomal miR-200c, -141, and -429 can also inhibit the expression of transcription factors belonging to the ZEB family, activators of EMT. (c) On the contrary, 5-FU-resistant CRC cells release exosomes without miR-200 family members, favoring EMT. (d) CRC cells exposed to TGF-β1 release miR-200b-enriched exosomes that inhibit p27/kip mRNA, leading to an increased proliferation.