Dietary microRNA transfer across the gastrointestinal barrier

Determine whether dietary microRNAs can traverse the gastrointestinal barrier and enter the mammalian bloodstream and tissues in vivo at functionally relevant levels.

Background

Reports of cross-kingdom transfer of plant microRNAs to mammalian blood and tissues have been controversial, with replication failures casting doubt on initial positive findings.

Resolving this question is critical for assessing the feasibility and safety of therapeutic or dietary strategies that rely on exogenous microRNAs.