biostudies-literatureUnknown26(13)Curtaz CJBrain metastases are a major cause of death in breast cancer patients. A key event in the metastatic progression of breast cancer in the brain is the migration of cancer cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a natural barrier with specialized functions that protect the brain from harmful substances, including antitumor drugs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) sequestered by cells are mediators of cell-cell communication. EVs carry cellular components, including microRNAs that affect the cellular processes of target cells. Here, we summarize the knowledge about microRNAs known to play a significant role in breast cancer and/or in the BBB function. In addition, we describe previously established in vitro BBB models, which are a useful tool for studying molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of brain metastases.Current pharmaceutical design1417-1427https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7475800biostudies-literatureCirculating MicroRNAs and Blood-Brain-Barrier Function in Breast Cancer Metastasis.PMC7475800Roewer NCurtaz CJBlecharz-Lang KGWockel ABurek MSchmitt CfalseCirculating MicroRNAs and Blood-Brain-Barrier Function in Breast Cancer Metastasis.Brain metastases are a major cause of death in breast cancer patients. A key event in the metastatic progression of breast cancer in the brain is the migration of cancer cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a natural barrier with specialized functions that protect the brain from harmful substances, including antitumor drugs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) sequestered by cells are mediators of cell-cell communication. EVs carry cellular components, including microRNAs that affect the cellular processes of target cells. Here, we summarize the knowledge about microRNAs known to play a significant role in breast cancer and/or in the BBB function. In addition, we describe previously established in vitro BBB models, which are a useful tool for studying molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of brain metastases.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z20202020-10-29T08:48:35Z2020-09-26T07:16:48ZS-EPMC74758003217583810.2174/1381612826666200316151720