Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Fecal (micro) RNA Isolation
05:35

Fecal (micro) RNA Isolation

Published on: October 28, 2020

Exosome can prevent RNase from degrading microRNA in feces

Yoshikatsu Koga1, Masahiro Yasunaga, Yoshihiro Moriya

  • 1Investigative Treatment Division, Research Center for Innovative Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa;

Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
|July 20, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) within exosomes or cells are protected from degradation by RNase in feces. Free miRNAs are rapidly degraded, highlighting the protective role of cellular and exosomal membranes.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The stability of microRNAs (miRNAs) in fecal samples is not well understood.
  • Fecal miRNAs are potential biomarkers, but their integrity needs investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the stability of microRNAs (miRNAs) in feces.
  • To investigate the protective mechanisms of miRNA integrity in the gut environment.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of miRNAs to RNase in cell culture (HT-29) and fecal homogenates.
  • Quantitative analysis of miRNA levels using real-time RT-PCR.

Main Results:

  • Cellular and exosomal miRNAs were protected from RNase degradation.
  • Free miRNAs were immediately and completely degraded by RNase.
  • Membrane structures (cellular or exosomal) confer RNase resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Exosomes and cellular membranes protect encapsulated miRNAs from degradation, even in harsh conditions like feces.
  • This stability is crucial for the reliability of fecal miRNAs as biomarkers.
Keywords:
Exosomecancer screeningcolonocytefecal miRNA testmiRNA

More Related Videos

Purification and microRNA Profiling of Exosomes Derived from Blood and Culture Media10:45

Purification and microRNA Profiling of Exosomes Derived from Blood and Culture Media

Published on: June 14, 2013

Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile06:59

Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile

Published on: June 13, 2016

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Overview of Exosomes01:36

Overview of Exosomes

Exosomes are stable, lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles capable of crossing biological barriers. They can carry a wide range of molecules required for intercellular communication. Once exosomes are released from the cell where they originated, they enter a recipient cell through various pathways such as fusion, receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
mRNA Stability and Gene Expression02:51

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability