Potential role of tumour-secreted exosomes in detection and monitoring of breast cancer (360G-Wellcome-206912_Z_17_Z)

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short, non-coding sequences of RNA that have been shown to be dysregulated in the circulation of patients with a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. Numerous studies have shown that miRNA-containing exosomes are secreted into the circulation and their miRNA content has been shown to reflect that of secreting cells. As such, exosome-encapsulated miRNAs may represent an ideal biomarker for diseases at an early stage. This study aims to identify clinically relevant exosome-encapsulated microRNAs in the circulation of breast cancer patients that are reflective of disease characteristics. Recent initial studies of ExomiRs in the circulation of breast cancer patients have provided an important proof-of-principle, although have been limited in size and scope, and have not reflected the heterogeneity of the disease. The Discipline of Surgery Biobank currently contains > 1200 serum/plasma samples, from which exosomes can be isolated. This is an invaluable resource and is linked to complete clinicopathological, and treatment details of patients. This work will determine the clinical relevance (in circulation) of exosome-encapsulated miRNAs recently identified to be secreted by breast tumours In Vitro and In Vivo by the host laboratory group.