Cell surface RNAs control neutrophil recruitment

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell surface RNAs, including glycoRNAs, have been identified in mammalian cells.
• The functional roles and production mechanisms of cell surface RNAs remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional significance of cell surface RNAs in neutrophil recruitment.
• To determine the role of mammalian sid-1 RNA transporters in glycoRNA expression.

Main Methods:

• Detection and analysis of cell surface RNAs in murine neutrophils.
• Assessment of neutrophil recruitment, adhesion, and migration in vivo and in vitro.
• Gene knockdown of murine Sidt genes to evaluate their impact on glycoRNA expression and neutrophil function.

Main Results:

• Cell surface RNAs are critical for neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory sites.
• Elimination of cell surface RNAs impairs neutrophil adhesion and migration through endothelial cells.
• Mammalian sid-1 gene knockdown abolishes neutrophil glycoRNAs and mimics the functional deficits observed in their absence.
• Neutrophil glycoRNAs are recognized by P-selectin (SELP) and are vital for neutrophil-endothelial interactions.

Conclusions:

• Cell surface glycoRNAs play a significant biological role in neutrophil function and immune responses.
• Mammalian sid-1 RNA transporters are essential for the expression of cell surface glycoRNAs.
• This study uncovers a noncanonical, RNA-mediated mechanism influencing cellular functions, particularly in immune cell trafficking.