RNA binding proteins in extracellular vesicles and their potential value for cancer diagnosis and treatment (Review)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are spherical bilayer membrane vesicles released by cells into extracellular spaces and body fluids, including plasma and synovial fluid. EV cargo comprises various biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA, mRNAs, non‑coding RNAs, lipids and metabolites. By delivering these bioactive molecules to recipient cells, EVs mediate intercellular communications and play a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and promoting pathological progression. Of note, cells can selectively sort these bioactive molecules (particularly RNAs) into EVs for secretion, as well as regulate cell‑cell communications. RNA‑binding proteins (RBPs) are a large class of proteins capable of binding to RNA molecules and function in regulating RNA metabolism. There is increasing evidence to indicate that RBPs can be delivered to receipt cells to influence their cell biology and play a significant role in the sorting of coding and non‑coding RNAs in EVs. The present review summarized the current knowledge on EV‑associated RBPs, their functions in tumorigenesis and RBP‑related exosome engineering. It is hoped that the present review may provide novel insight into RBPs and targeted cancer treatment.