Transfection of CAFs-exos with miR-92a-3p-sponge could decrease CD133, CD44 and OCT4, while re-introduction of miR-92a-3p mimics in CRC cells could increase these proteins in CRC cells (Fig. 3i, j, Additional file 1: Figure S6C). Here, POU5F1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.