Impact of extracellular RNA on endothelial barrier function

Different types of high and low molecular weight extracellular RNA (eRNA) are liberated from cells upon conditions of tissue damage or vascular diseases and have been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro to influence the integrity and barrier function of the vascular endothelium. Among the types of self eRNA studied in this respect, ribosomal RNA appears to engage cytokines to promote hyperpermeability, while counteracting RNase1 serves as a potent vessel-protective factor. Different microRNAs may change the expression program of endothelial cells with consequences for cellular contacts and stability. Non-self viral RNAs are recognized by Toll-like receptors that transmit intracellular inflammation signals to disturb the vascular barrier function, largely in connection with infectious diseases. Although derived from the same nucleotide building blocks, the various forms of eRNA exhibit a multitude of molecular interactions with the endothelium that may drastically change its phenotypical characteristics. The impact of eRNA on vascular integrity in health and disease is summarized in this concise review.