The non cell-autonomous role of mutant p53 gain-of-function: reprogramming the microenvironment

Colon cancers cells harboring mutations in TP53 release exosomes that contain miR1246 which in turn are received by surrounding macrophages. The latter alter their phenotypic features, leading to secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines along with factors implicated in epithelial and mesenchymal transition (EMT), which fuel tumorigenesis in this setting  (1, 2).

1) Cooks et al. When mutant p53 fires up. Cancer Cell & Microenvironment 2014, 1: e135.

2) Cooks et al. Mutant p53 cancers reprogram macrophages to tumor supporting macrophages via exosomal miR-1246. Nat Commun 2018, 9(1): 771.