Exosome-mediated transfer of mRNAs and microRNAs is a novel mechanism of genetic exchange between cells.
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).
Valadi
Hadi
H
Department of Internal Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Ekström
Karin
K
Bossios
Apostolos
A
Sjöstrand
Margareta
M
Lee
James J
JJ
Lötvall
Jan O
JO
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics*; D002460:Cell Line; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D005089:Exocytosis / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D022161:Transport Vesicles / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D035683:MicroRNAs; D012333:RNA, Messenger