Extracellular RNA

Category: Biotechnology / Health Science

  • Extracellular RNA (exRNA) refers to RNA molecules found outside cells.
  • They can circulate in body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid.
  • exRNAs can be transported through extracellular vesicles, RNA-binding proteins and lipoproteins.
  • Important forms include microRNAs, messenger RNAs and other regulatory RNAs.
  • They can carry information between cells and influence gene expression in recipient cells.
  • Because their molecular signatures can reflect cellular changes, exRNAs are being investigated as potential minimally invasive biomarkers.
  • Research areas include cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Major challenges include standardisation of sample collection, RNA isolation and identification of cellular origin.

Prelims Pointers: Location → Extracellular/body fluids | Potential use → Biomarkers | Carriers → Extracellular vesicles/proteins/lipoproteins.