Nucleic acids in circulation: are they harmful to the host?

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Adults lose 10^11-10^12 cells daily, with similar regeneration for homeostasis.
• Despite efficient clearance, fragmented genetic material, including DNA and RNA, circulates in healthy individuals.
• Elevated extracellular nucleic acids are linked to aging, cancer, inflammation, trauma, and autoimmune disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential biological activities of circulating nucleic acids.
• To investigate if circulating nucleic acids may have damaging effects on the host.
• To explore the implication of circulating nucleic acids in aging and human pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on extracellular nucleic acids.
• Analysis of existing data on nucleic acid interactions with cellular systems.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding the biological actions of experimentally added nucleic acids.

Main Results:

• Extracellular nucleic acids, including DNA, RNA, and microRNA, are present in circulation.
• Experimentally added nucleic acids induce genetic transformation, cellular damage, and immune responses.
• The biological activities and host-damaging potential of naturally circulating nucleic acids remain largely unexplored.

Conclusions:

• Circulating nucleic acids possess inherent biological activities.
• Further research is needed to determine if circulating nucleic acids contribute to aging and disease.
• Understanding these roles could reveal novel therapeutic targets for various pathologies.