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Review
. 2025 Feb 14;112(2):225-244.
doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioae170.

Exosomal ncRNAs in reproductive cancers†

Alicja Kowalczyk  1 , Marcjanna Wrzecińska  2 , Elżbieta Gałęska  1 , Ewa Czerniawska-Piątkowska  2 , Mercedes Camiña  3 , Jose P Araujo  4 , Zbigniew Dobrzański  1
Affiliations
Review

Exosomal ncRNAs in reproductive cancers†

Alicja Kowalczyk et al. Biol Reprod. .

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play a pivotal role in the cellular mechanisms underlying cancer. This review explores the various functions of exosomes in the progression, growth, and metastasis of cancers affecting the male and female reproductive systems. Exosomes are identified as key mediators in intercellular communication, capable of transferring bioactive molecules such as microRNAs, proteins, and other nucleic acids that influence cancer cell behavior and tumor microenvironment interactions. It has been shown that non-coding RNAs transported by exosomes play an important role in tumor growth processes. Significant molecules that may serve as biomarkers in the development and progression of male reproductive cancers include miR-125a-5p, miR-21, miR-375, the miR-371 ~ 373 cluster, and miR-145-5p. For female reproductive cancers, significant microRNAs include miR-26a-5p, miR-148b, miR-205, and miRNA-423-3p. This review highlights the potential of these noncoding RNAs as biomarkers and prognostics in tumor diagnostics. Understanding the diverse roles of exosomes may hold promise for developing new therapeutic strategies and improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Keywords: cancers; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; microRNA; reproduction; reproductive cancers.

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Figures

Graphical Abstract
Graphical Abstract
Figure 1
Figure 1
The frequency of most common cancers in 2022. Source: GLOBOCAN 2022 [1, 10]. Created with Canva.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Estimated cancer cases (2022–2050). Source: GLOBOCAN 2022. [1, 10]. Created with MS Excel and  BioRender.com.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Biogenesis of EVs. Created with  BioRender.com.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Structure and composition of exosomes. Created with  BioRender.com.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The process of exosome formation. Created with  Canva.com.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Male reproductive cancers and their exosomal potential biomarkers. Created with  BioRender.com. Legend: PCa—prostate cancer, PeC—penile cancer, TC—testicular cancer, TME—tumor microenvironment, EXO—exosomes.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Gynecological cancers and their exosomal potential biomarkers. Created with  BioRender.com
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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