Intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles in cancer and evolutionary biology.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane enclosed vesicles that are released by cells. While initially thought to be cellular detritus or particles involved in eliminating waste from cells, EVs have been recognised as important mediators of intercellular communication by transferring their bioactive cargoes. Notably, over the last two decades, a substantial research effort has been undertaken to understand the role of EVs in cancer. It is now understood that tumour derived EVs can transfer their contents to influence metastatic behaviour, as well as establish favourable microenvironments and pre-metastatic niches that support cancer development and progression. EV-mediated intercellular communication in cancer will be of importance to understanding the emerging paradigm which views cancer as the establishment of a new species within the host organism. Here, we provide a concise overview of EVs and the current understanding of their role and application in cancer. In addition, we explore the potential wider role of EVs in the transfer of inherited characteristics and evolutionary biology.

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Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: S.E.B. has equity in Evox Therapeutics Ltd. and holds an ongoing contract with Evox Therapeutics Ltd. from 2017 to present. Evox Therapeutics Ltd. had no influence on the conception or realisation of this review.