Biochemistry of cell communication; new findings (Introduction)

by David Turell , Thursday, April 04, 2019, 23:03 (2059 days ago) @ David Turell

Extracellular RNA can carry biochemical molecules outside cells around the body:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190404143629.htm

"Scientists have improved their understanding of a new form of cell-cell communication that is based on extracellular RNA (exRNA). RNA, a molecule that was thought to only exist inside cells, now is known to also exist outside cells and participate in a cell-cell communication system that delivers messages throughout the body.

***

"'Using computational deconvolution, we discovered six major types of exRNA cargo and their carriers that can be detected in bodily fluids, including serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva and urine," said co-first author Oscar D. Murillo, a graduate student in Baylor's Molecular and Human Genetics Graduate Program working in the Milosavljevic lab. "The carriers act like molecular vessels moving their RNA cargo throughout the body. They include lipoproteins -- one of the major carriers is High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL or the "good cholesterol") -- a variety of small protein-containing particles and small vesicles, all of which can be taken up by cells."

"The researchers found that the computational method helps reveal biological signals that could not be previously detected in individual studies due to the naturally complex variation of the biological system. For example, in an exercise challenge study their computational approach revealed differences before and after exercise in the proportions of the exRNA-cargo in HDL particles and vesicles in human plasma.

"'Exercise increased a proportion of RNA molecules involved in regulating metabolism and muscle function, suggesting adaptive response of the organism to exercise challenge," Milosavljevic said. "This finding opens the possibility that in other conditions, both in health or disease, the computational method might identify signals that could have physiological and clinical relevance.'"

Comment: This adds a new complex signalling and delivery system using exRNA messengers. What degree of complexity is needed before it is recognize a designer is required?