Specificity of interactions mediating uptake of non-vesicular extracellular microRNAs

Demonstrate whether the interactions underlying selective internalization of non-vesicular extracellular microRNAs are specific, and if so, characterize the molecular determinants of these interactions in recipient immune cells.

Background

A substantial fraction of extracellular microRNAs circulate outside vesicles, often associated with Argonaute proteins. Some evidence indicates these non-vesicular miRNAs can modulate immune cell function, suggesting possible selective uptake.

The mechanistic basis and specificity of such interactions remain to be established, which is necessary to validate non-vesicular microRNAs as targeted paracrine or endocrine signals.