RNA in Extracellular Vesicles, Volume II

Dear Colleagues,

RNA is secreted from living and dying cells by specialized membrane-bound organelles: the Extracellular Vesicles (EVs). RNA is also secreted in other ways, and is typically carried by particles that include other molecules such as proteins and lipids. RNA is an attractive analyte for liquid biopsy, but it is also a dynamic intercellular or interkingdom messenger. The transferred RNA of EVs or EPs (extracellular particles) can act as a gene expression modulator, and thus its therapeutic applications are under investigation. Consequently, the extracellular RNA research field is progressing at a rapid pace with regular twists and turns due to technical advances and challenges. Why is RNA secreted in EVs vs EPs? Are they signaling complexes destined for other cells or organisms, or just waste? What is their value for diagnostics or therapeutics? How do they function in complex host–microbiota or host–parasite systems, or in inter-organ communications in complex multicellular organisms?

The purpose of this Special Issue is to present original research or review articles that explore the various extracellular RNA types carried by EV or other nanoparticles from flora, fauna, fungi or bacteria in health and disease, as well as the mechanisms that regulate this secretion. We welcome articles from single miRNA biomarker studies using PCR to whole-transcriptome investigations via next-generation sequencing, the in silico analysis of sequences targeting RNA for secretion, and innovative multi-omics approaches for the characterization of RNA carriers and their interactive environment.

Dr. Genevieve Bart
Dr. Maija Puhka
Guest Editors

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• EV associated RNA
• EV encapsulated RNA
• novel RNA
• regulatory RNA
• ncRNA
• mRNA
• small RNA
• miRNA
• transcriptomics
• PCR