Fig. 2

This figure illustrates the biogenesis of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) and their trafficking pathways. The process begins with the transcription of primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) in the nucleus, where it is processed by different enzymes (including Drosha and Dicer) to form mature miRNAs. Once formed, these miRNAs are incorporated into the cytoplasmic RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Exosomes are generated from multivesicular bodies (MVBs) within the endosomal pathway, where miRNAs can be selectively packaged. The exosomes then bud off and are released into the extracellular space, facilitating intercellular communication. These exosomal miRNAs can influence recipient cells by regulating gene expression, thus playing critical roles in various biological processes and disease mechanisms