fig2
Figure 2. Roles of exosomal lncRNAs. Exosomes from malignant cells are released to the cancer microenvironment and distant organs, delivering lncRNAs, which can induce tumor progression. LncRNAs can exert several effects onto recipient cells: (1) Promote angiogenesis, such as lnc-POU3F3; (2) Boost cancer drug resistance; (3) Shape immune cell signaling, interfering and altering the immune response; (4) Stimulate the creation of a distant pre-metastatic niche; and (5) Trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which will, in turn, hasten metastases