Exosome-mediated transfer of mRNAs and microRNAs is a novel mechanism of genetic exchange between cells

Abstract

Exosomes are vesicles of endocytic origin released by many cells. These vesicles can mediate communication between cells, facilitating processes such as antigen presentation. Here, we show that exosomes from a mouse and a human mast cell line (MC/9 and HMC-1, respectively), as well as primary bone marrow-derived mouse mast cells, contain RNA. Microarray assessments revealed the presence of mRNA from approximately 1300 genes, many of which are not present in the cytoplasm of the donor cell. In vitro translation proved that the exosome mRNAs were functional. Quality control RNA analysis of total RNA derived from exosomes also revealed presence of small RNAs, including microRNAs. The RNA from mast cell exosomes is transferable to other mouse and human mast cells. After transfer of mouse exosomal RNA to human mast cells, new mouse proteins were found in the recipient cells, indicating that transferred exosomal mRNA can be translated after entering another cell. In summary, we show that exosomes contain both mRNA and microRNA, which can be delivered to another cell, and can be functional in this new location. We propose that this RNA is called "exosomal shuttle RNA" (esRNA).

Towards mechanisms and standardization in extracellular vesicle and extracellular RNA studies: results of a worldwide survey

“…These results suggest perceived unmet needs across all topics, but especially in cargo loading and cargo transfer.

10.1080/20013078.2018.1535745-F0002Figure 2.EV topics about which we know the “most” [1] to the “least” [5]. Respondents were required to rank the five topics from most [1] to least knowledge [2]. No rank could be used twice.

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“…Respondents were required to rank the five topics from most [1] to least knowledge [2]. No rank could be used twice.…”

Characterization of Trichuris muris secreted proteins and extracellular vesicles provides new insights into host–parasite communication

“…We analysed the mRNA and miRNA content of the exosome-like EVs secreted by T. muris since it has been well documented that the nucleic acid content of eukaryotic EVs can be delivered between species to other cells and can be functional in the new location [74]. Functional categorization of the 475 mRNAs from T. muris EVs revealed a high proportion of protein-binding proteins.…”

Emerging findings into molecular mechanism of brain metastasis

“…Nevertheless, a lot of brain‐derived factors are developed in recent studies, including secreted proteins and microRNA‐containing exosomes which alter the brain microenvironment to facilitate the survival and growth of BM 12, 13. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) including exosomes, mediate cell to cell communication with the delivery of their contents and then adjust multiple factors of malignancy in cancer cells 14, 15. The EVs which released from brain metastatic cancer cells could induce tight junction proteins like N‐cadherin or actin filaments located by mistake, and that may lead to the destruction of the cell to cell connection.…”