Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Development, Metastasis and Treatment

Dear Colleagues,

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are important nanoparticles released by almost all cell types and which can be found in different biological fluids. Over the last few decades, the role of EVs in the intercellular communication field has been recognized. Namely, EVs operate by carrying molecules (i.e., proteins, mRNAs, non-coding RNAs, and lipids), being internalized in target cells, modulating physiology during all stages of life and via involvement in many fundamental biological pathways whose pathologic functions range from normal to varied. EVs are also key players in cancer. Several types of cells can secrete extracellular vesicles that contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and drug resistance. EVs are also excellent candidates as a source of biomarkers in these diseases as their cargoes reflect the pathophysiological signatures of the cell of origin. Thus, a timely and comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is helpful for the development of innovative approaches, showing new impacts on both the early diagnosis and outcomes of cancer treatment.

As the scientific community remains far away from a attaining full understanding of the roles of EVs in cancer progression, this Special Issue aims to convey the current understanding about EVs and the intricate EV signaling networks that enable cancer cells to thrive.

Both original research manuscripts and reviews are welcome for submission to this Special Issue. Potential research areas include (but are not limited to) all aspects of cancer signaling pathways and therapeutics, research on new technologies employed for studying cancer biomarker identifications and methods for tracing cancer pathways. Short communications of preliminary, but significant, results will also be considered. This Special Issue will inform readers about new discoveries, advances, and development in cancer therapeutics.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Maria Antonietta Di Bella
Dr. Simona Taverna
Guest Editors

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• extracellular vesicles and exosomes
• biological activity in development, differentiation
• therapeutic applications
• cancer biology
• nanomedicine
• biomarkers
• tumor development
• metastasis
• drug delivery