The emerging role of exosomes in survivin secretion

Histol Histopathol. 2015 Jan;30(1):43-50. doi: 10.14670/HH-30.43. Epub 2014 Jul 14.

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment plays an integral part in the biology of cancer, participating in tumor initiation, progression, and response to therapy. Factors released by tumor cells themselves contribute in creating an environment mostly favorable but sometimes detrimental to the tumor. Survivin, one of the key members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins, has been shown in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, nucleus, and most recently in the extracellular space, transported via small membrane bound vesicles called exosomes. Exosomes are secreted from hematopoietic, non-hematopoietic, tumor, and non-tumor cells, shuttling essential molecules such as proteins, RNAs, and microRNAs, all believed to be important for cell-cell and cell-extracellular communication. In this review, we discuss exosomal Survivin and its role in modifying the tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Survivin
  • Tumor Microenvironment / physiology*

Substances

  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Survivin