The distinct roles of exosomes in tumor-stroma crosstalk within gastric tumor microenvironment

Gastric cancer (GC) development is a complex process displaying polytropic cell and molecular landscape within gastric tumor microenvironment (TME). Stromal cells in TME, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and various immune cells, support tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence, functioning as the soil for gastric tumorigenesis. Importantly, exosomes secreted by either stromal cells or tumor cells during tumor-stroma crosstalk perform as crucial transporter of agents including RNAs and proteins for cell-cell communication in GC pathogenesis. Therefore, given the distinct roles of exosomes secreted by various cell types in GC TME, increasing evidence has indicated that exosomes present as new biomarkers for GC diagnosis and prognosis and shed light on novel approaches for GC treatment.

Automated summary

Stromal cells in the gastric tumor microenvironment play a supportive role in tumor growth, while exosomes serve as crucial transporters of substances for cell-cell communication during tumor-stroma crosstalk. Therefore, exosomes present new biomarkers for gastric cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and potential treatment approaches.