Identification of molecular markers and exploration of the oncogenic role of exomeres in hepatocellular carcinoma

Extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) serve as functional mediators delivering their cargoes to specific destinations. Exomeres (EMs) represent a newly discovered subset of nanoparticles, with limited understanding of their biophysical characteristics and functionalities. Here, we isolated and studied EMs from different normal and cancer cell lines. Proteomic analysis reveals distinctive features of EMs compared to small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and identifies galactosamine (N-acetyl)-6-sulfatase (GALNS) and mannosidase alpha class 2B member 1 (MAN2B1) to be expressed in EMs, indicating their potential as specific EM molecular markers. Subsequent investigations into tumor-derived EMs demonstrate their oncogenic properties to support cancer growth and metastasis. Furthermore, analysis of murine hepatocellular carcinoma-derived EM reveals their ability to induce cell cycle progression and metabolic alterations. Collectively, our data highlight the distinct nature of EMs as a nanoparticle subpopulation different from sEVs, with cancer-derived EMs significantly contributing to tumor growth and dissemination.