Circulating exosomal miRNAs as potential biomarkers for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

Figure 1 Components of exosomes. Exosomes are approximately 30-100 nm in diameter and contain a set of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Exosomal protein compositions vary and include a series of common proteins that have been demonstrated to be present or enriched in exosomes in spite of cell origins and tissues, such as tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, and CD81), integrins, and adhesion molecules. Some metabolic enzymes, ribosomal proteins, transmembrane and signal transduction molecules, and special ligands could also be detected. miRNA: microRNA.