Fig. 4

Schematic of molecules and nucleic acids transfer by EVs in the process of cancer progression. Transmembrane and soluble proteins, lipids and nucleic acids are selectively coalesced into the multivesicular endosomes (MVEs) or into MVs shedding from the plasma membrane. MVEs fuse with the plasma membrane to secret exosomes into the extracellular environment. Exosomes and MVs may either be endocytosed by recipient cells or fuse directly with the plasma membrane. Both pathways result in the delivery of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids into the membrane or cytosol of the recipient cell to transfer the information, which potentially influence the progress of cancer development