PNNL

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by nearly all cell types as part of normal cell physiology, transporting biological cargo, including nucleic acid and proteins, across the cell membrane. In pathological states such as cancer, EV-derived cargo may mirror the altered state of the cell of origin. Exosomes are the smaller, 50-150 nanometer sized EVs released from fusion of multivesicular endosomes with the plasma membrane. Exosomes play important roles in cell-cell communication and participate in multiple cancer processes, including invasion and metastasis. Proteomic analysis of exosomes obtained from biological fluids is therefore a promising approach to discover potential cancer biomarkers. However, proteomic analysis of exosomes is still at an early stage. Herein, we review the advances in exosome isolation methods and their compatibility with mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic analysis. We also critically review publications related to the role of exosomes in pathogenesis and progression of prostate and bladder cancer, two common urologic cancers whose incidence rates continues to rise annually. As urological tumors, both urine and blood samples are feasible for noninvasive or minimally invasive analysis. A better understanding of the biological cargo and functions of exosomes via high-throughput proteomics will help provide new insights into complex alterations in cancer and provide potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment for patients.