Extracellular RNA:
Scientists reported that extracellular RNA (exRNA) from bacteria can persist in disinfected drinking water.
- The exRNA is RNA that exists outside cells.
- It is found in body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid.
- To survive outside the cell, exRNA travels in its own molecular containers that prevent enzymes from breaking it down before it reaches its destination.
- These are heterogenous populations including small (e.g., miRNA) and long non-coding RNAs and coding RNAs (e.g., mRNA).
- It has been found to be part of a sophisticated long-distance communication system, allowing cells to deliver instructions to other cells, influencing behavior and gene activation.
- It helps coordinate responses in the immune system, tissue repair, and development.
- It enables diagnosis of diseases like cancer and heart disease through RNA pattern testing in body fluids
- It has potential for early detection and monitoring
