title: Circulating miRNAs: cell-cell communication function?
abstract: Nuclease resistant extracellular miRNAs have been found in all known biological fluids. The biological function of extracellular miRNAs remains questionable; however, strong evidence suggests that these miRNAs can be more than just byproducts of cellular activity. Some extracellular miRNA species might carry cell-cell signaling function during various physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art in the field of intercellular miRNA transport and highlight current theories regarding the origin and the biological function of extracellular miRNAs.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Epidemiology Group, C080, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany ; Division of Molecular Biology of Breast Cancer, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic, University Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Turchinovich
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Samatov
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Tonevitsky
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Burwinkel
keywords: HDL; argonaute proteins; biofluids; biomarkers; cell communication; exosomes; miRNA; microvesicles