Role of Exosomes in the Cross-Talk between Leukemia Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells -Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

ABSTRACT

More and more studies have demonstrated that bone marrow microenvironment, the fundament of the multiplication and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells, plays a crucial role in leukemia progression and resistance to treatment. It provides a permissive environment for minimal residual disease and contributes to relapse and multidrug resistance. Mesenchymal stem cells are a kind of important stromal cells in bone marrow niche. In recent researches, MSC have been shown to be one of the major factors modulating the biological features of leukemia cells. The cross-talk between MSC and leukemia cells can take place not only by direct contact, but also by exosome exchange. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles released by a variety of cells, which contain protein, RNA and mRNA. They are effective tools for transportation between cells, and play an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. Exosome is a new topic in the research of leukemia and microenvironment. The exosome research will help elucidate the mechanism of leukemia, thus providing new ideas for the treatment.