Figure 1. Multiple roles of exosomes in CRC.

Exosomes can activate critical oncogenic signaling pathways in the recipient cells (cancer cells or niche cells) to promote tumor transformation, progression, invasion and metastasis. Exosomes are also involved in formation of cancer stem cells and development of drug resistance. CRC-derived exosomes can modulate biological functions of recipient cells through locally and systemically transferring proteins, DNAs, mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, lipids, etc.