McGill University researchers discover new cancer-related vesicles

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal have identified a previously unknown type of extracellular vesicle, termed ‘MoVes’ (motile vesicles), which are released by migrating cancer cells. The study, published in the journal Nature Cell Biology, reveals a mechanism by which cancer cells release their DNA while in motion.

These microscopic structures carry genetic material, including mutations associated with malignancies, into the surrounding environment. While extracellular vesicles were once considered cellular waste, they are now known to play a critical role in intercellular communication by transporting proteins, RNA, and DNA through tissues and bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine.

The discovery provides new insights into how tumor cells communicate with their surroundings and may explain how they facilitate metastasis or promote chemoresistance. Scientists are now investigating whether these MoVes can be detected in patients to improve the understanding of cancer progression and identify potential therapeutic interventions.