bims-exocan 2026-02-08 papers

Issue of 2026–02–08
three papers selected by
Muhammad Rizwan, COMSATS University

J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2026 Feb;40(2): e70726

Exosome-Derived Circular RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Emerging Roles in Tumorigenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapy.

Amir Mohammad Aghaie, Fereydoun Rahmani, Nazila Fathi Maroufi, Vahid Zarezade, Soleyman Bafadam, Mostafa Mostafazadeh.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs characterized by their covalently closed loop structures, which confer remarkable stability. Recent studies have highlighted the role of exosomal circRNAs, which are encapsulated within extracellular vesicles known as exosomes, in intercellular communication and tumor progression. In colorectal cancer (CRC), exosomal circRNAs have been implicated in various oncogenic processes, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance. These molecules exhibit dysregulated expression patterns in CRC tissues and bodily fluids, making them promising candidates for non-invasive biomarkers. Moreover, their functional roles in modulating signaling pathways and the tumor microenvironment suggest their potential therapeutic applications. This review summarizes our current understanding of exosomal circRNA biology, highlights their roles in the CRC development and progression, and discusses their clinical significance as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools.

Keywords: colon cancer; exosomal circular RNAs; liquid biopsy; miRNA sponge; tumor microenvironment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jbt.70726

Int Immunopharmacol. 2026 Feb 04. pii: S1567-5769(26)00172-4. [Epub ahead of print]173 116328

Exosomal MicroRNAs: From cellular communication to disease biomarkers.

Reyhaneh Arefimehr, Ajaz Ahmad.

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, encapsulate specific microRNAs that play a critical role in biological processes, particularly intercellular communication. Exosomal microRNAs play a significant role in health and disease, as they regulate gene expression, modulate immune responses, and influence various signaling pathways. In healthy individuals, exosomal microRNAs contribute to homeostasis by facilitating tissue repair, regulating metabolic processes, and maintaining effective cellular communication. However, dysfunction in their activity may result in various health concerns, including cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer. This review will explore biogenesis, mechanisms of action, and roles of exosomal microRNAs in health and disease. A comprehensive understanding of these biomarkers highlights their potential as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets, thereby paving the way for innovative disease management strategies and the advancement of personalized medicine. Notably, most therapeutic applications of exosomal miRNAs remain at the preclinical or early translational stage, and further standardization and clinical validation are required before widespread implementation.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Disease detection; Exosomal miRNAs; Gene regulation; Health

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2026.116328

Med Oncol. 2026 Feb 05. 43(3): 133

Exosome-based strategies and immunotherapy for skin cancer: mechanisms, challenges, and future directions.

Hafez Karimi, Nima Seifollahi, Parnian Yavari, Maryam Pourrostam, Saeideh Nourbakhsh, Shima Rahmati, Gelavizh Rostaminasab.

Skin cancer continues to be among the top malignancies diagnosed around the world, with rising incidence through the years. The cause of most deaths is the metastatic progression, which commonly limits the success of the treatments available. The commonly used methods of surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, photodynamic and conventional chemotherapy have improved the patient survival rates tremendously. However, the systemic toxicities and therapeutic resistance limit therapeutic efficacy of these treatments. Hence, developing targeted solutions is essential that tackle these concerns directly. Targeted exosomes as extracellular vesicles (EVs) are unique biological nanocarriers for the direct cell delivery of chemo, nucleic acids, and immune modifiers to tumor cells. The purpose of this review is to survey the literature and examine current exosome research in cancer has to offer, especially in relation to improving focused drug delivery, immune modification, tumor microenvironment (TME) alteration, and skin cancer immunotherapy. We describe evidence from preclinical and developing clinical studies showing the exosome-mediated delivery systems improve the bioavailability of a drug. This occurs through its specificity for tumors, mitigate the systemic toxicity of the drug, and neutralize the mechanisms of immune- and chemotherapy resistance. These new approaches to therapy represent a significant advancement in dermatologic oncology and are likely to improve prognosis and patients' quality of life.

Keywords: Exosomes; Immunotherapy; Nano-drug delivery; Regenerative medicine; Skin cancer

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-026-03237-2