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Tumor Discovery Melanoma exosomes in metastasis

as precise drug delivery systems, transporting anti-cancer 6. Discussion
drugs, small interfering RNAs, or CRISPR/Cas9 gene-
editing tools directly to tumor cells while minimizing The intricate relationship between tumor-derived exosomes
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damage to normal tissues. For instance, encapsulating and metastasis underscores a significant advancement in
chemotherapeutic agents within exosomes and delivering our understanding of tumor biology and the mechanisms
them to melanoma sites not only enhances therapeutic underlying cancer progression. Exosomes are small
efficacy but also substantially reduces systemic toxicity. extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, including
By integrating exosomal biomarker analysis with targeted melanoma cells. They facilitate cell communication and
delivery technologies, precision medicine holds the transport a diverse array of molecular cargo, including
promise of optimizing the full spectrum of melanoma proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In the context of melanoma,
management, thereby significantly improving patient these vesicles play a multifaceted role in promoting metastasis
survival rates and quality of life (Figure 1). by influencing the TME, enhancing the invasive properties
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Figure 1. The multifaceted role of melanoma-derived exosomes in metastasis and therapeutic potential. This figure provides a comprehensive overview
of the biogenesis, molecular composition, and functional implications of melanoma-derived exosomes. The upper-left section illustrates the process
of exosome biogenesis, from their formation within MVBs to their release into the extracellular space. The lower-right section categorizes the diverse
molecular cargos in exosomes into nucleic acids (miRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs, messenger RNAs, and DNA fragments), proteins (MMPs, integrins, heat
shock proteins, and oncogenic factors), lipids (sphingolipids, cholesterol, and phospholipids), and other biomolecules (metabolites, glycoproteins, and
growth factors). These components reflect the exosomes’ cellular origin and mediate their pro-metastatic effects. The upper-right region highlights their
critical roles in tumor metastasis, including TME remodeling, immune evasion, EMT, and pre-metastatic niche formation, which collectively facilitate
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both local and distant progression. Finally, the lower-left panel explores the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of tumor-derived exosomes, including
their role as biomarkers for liquid biopsy, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets and delivery vehicles. Exosome-based strategies are being
investigated for targeted drug delivery, RNA-based therapy, and immunomodulation in melanoma treatment. This integrated representation underscores
the central role of exosomes in melanoma metastasis and offers a conceptual framework for future research. Image created by authors.
Abbreviations: APC: Antigen-presenting cell; CD8: Cluster of differentiation 8; miR: MicroRNA; PD-L1: Programmed death-ligand 1; PD-1: Programmed
cell death protein 1; TAAs: Tumor-derived exosomes carrying tumor-associated antigens; VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor.

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 11 doi: 10.36922/td.7108