Exosomal miRNA: Small Molecules, Big Impact in Colorectal Cancer

Figure 4

Proposed models for the effects of exosomal miR-1246 on the TME. p53 mutations resulting in gain of function (GOF) in CRC cells induce the release miR-1246-overexpressing exosomes. Exosomal miR-1246 can induce a switch of macrophage phenotype towards a tumor-associated phenotype (TAM), modifying tumor inflammatory state. It leads to a decreased secretion of proinflammatory and increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. TAMs also present enhanced ECM degradation, migration, and invasion properties. Exosomes are represented as small orange circles.