Interspecies Communication in Holobionts by Non-Coding RNA Exchange

Ana Lúcia Leitão1,2, Marina C Costa3, André F Gabriel3

  • 1Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.

Summary

This review explores how non-coding RNA might help cells in a holobiont communicate with each other. Non-coding RNA is a type of molecule that doesn't code for proteins but can still influence gene activity. The authors suggest these RNAs may act as signals between different types of cells, including both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. These signals may be carried by specific structures that travel to other cells and trigger responses. The review looks at how this signaling may help maintain balance in the holobiont or lead to imbalances. It also considers how these signals might support both beneficial and harmful relationships between cells. The authors propose that more research is needed to fully understand how non-coding RNA contributes to communication in multi-organism systems.

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