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Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of RNA-Containing Exosomes
Published on: January 9, 2012
Role of Exosome Shuttle RNA in Cell-to-Cell Communication
Wei Zhang1, Peng Peng1, Keng Shen1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,PUMC Hospital,CAMS and PUMC,Beijing 100730,China.
Abstract:
There are several ways that transpire in cell-to-cell communication,with or without cell contact. Exosomes play an important role in cell-to-cell communication,which do not need cell contact,as that can result in a relatively long-distance influence. Exosome contains RNA components including mRNA and micro-RNA,which are protected by exosomes rigid membranes. This allows those components be passed long distance through the circulatory system. The mRNA components are far different from their donor cells,and the micro-RNA components may reflect the cell they originated. In this article we review the role of exosomes in cell-to-cell communication,with particular focus on their potentials in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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