Exosomal integrin αvβ3 derived from colorectal cancer promotes the liver pre-metastatic niche formation by inducing cancer-associated fibroblasts activation

Quick Facts

  • Publication title: Exosomal integrin αvβ3 derived from colorectal cancer promotes the liver pre-metastatic niche formation by inducing cancer-associated fibroblasts activation
  • Journal: Clin Exp Med
  • Year: 2026
  • DOI: 10.1007/s10238-026-02193-5
  • PMID/PMCID: 42223705; 3496330

Research overview

In this study, we found that integrin αvβ3 is associated with CRLM and the poor clinical prognosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can promote CRLM by forming cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), but the mechanism remains unclear.

Key findings

The formation of the liver pre-metastatic niche (PMN) is a critical factor in the development of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM), so understanding the mechanism of the liver PMN is crucial for the prevention and treatment of CRLM.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can promote CRLM by forming cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), but the mechanism remains unclear.

In this study, we found that integrin αvβ3 is associated with CRLM and the poor clinical prognosis.

Exosomal integrin αvβ3 derived from CRC can target HSCs via fibronectin to mediate their activation.

Echo Biotech Role

Echo Biotech contributed EV isolation and purification; the study also used or cited Exosupur®.

Related platforms: Exoomics®, Research Reagents & Tools

Related services and capabilities: Cell-Culture Supernatant EV Isolation & Purification, Research Reagent / Product Supply

Related products or reagents: Exosupur® EV Isolation/Purification Kit

References

Original publication: Exosomal integrin αvβ3 derived from colorectal cancer promotes the liver pre-metastatic niche formation by inducing cancer-associated fibroblasts activation Clinical and experimental medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1007/s10238-026-02193-5. PMID/PMCID: 42223705; 3496330.