Fig. 7
A schematic model showing the functions of exosomal ADAM17 in CRC hematogenous metastasis. The current study indicated the presence of intercellular communication between mesenchymal cancer cells and the vascular endothelium. EMT-CRC-derived exosomal ADAM17 disrupts expression of the adherent junction protein VE-cadherin, thus dysregulating the vascular barrier and facilitating the generation of CTCs and metastasis