Exosomal miR-663b targets Ets2-repressor factor to promote proliferation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells

Exosomes circulating in biological fluids have the potential to be utilized as cancer biomarkers and are associated with cancer progression and metastasis. MicroRNA (miR)-663b has been found to be elevated in plasma from patients with bladder cancer (BC). However, the functional role of exosomal miR-663b in BC processes remains unknown. Here, we isolated exosomes from plasma and found that the miR-663b level was elevated in exosomes from plasma of patients with BC compared with healthy controls. Exosomal miR-663b from BC cells promoted cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, exosomal miR-663b targeted Ets2-repressor factor and acted as a tumor promoter in BC cells. Taken together, our findings suggested that exosomal miR-663b is a promising potential biomarker and target for clinical detection and therapy in BC.