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Updated: Nov 24, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
Extracellular RNAs in Bacterial Infections: From Emerging Key Players on Host-Pathogen Interactions to Exploitable
Tiago Pita1, Joana R Feliciano1, Jorge H Leitão1
1iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Departamento de Bioengenharia, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. These molecules can interact with mRNAs or proteins, affecting a variety of cellular functions. Emerging evidence shows that intra/inter-species and trans-kingdom regulation can also be achieved with exogenous RNAs, which are exported to the extracellular medium, mainly through vesicles. In bacteria, membrane vesicles (MVs) seem to be the more common way of extracellular communication. In several bacterial pathogens, MVs have been described as a delivery system of ncRNAs that upon entry into the host cell, regulate their immune response. The aim of the present work is to review this recently described mode of host-pathogen communication and to foster further research on this topic envisaging their exploitation in the design of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to fight bacterial infections.
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