EX(citing) RNA — The National Institutes of Health has awarded $17 million to fund 24 research projects, two of which involve Einstein scientists, to better understand extracellular RNA (exRNA), a newly discovered mechanism of cell-to-cell communication. RNA, which is typically found inside cells, is critical for translation of the genetic code of DNA into proteins and for control of the expression of genes and proteins to regulate cell function; exRNA is a new category of RNA found outside of the cell in which it was made, and can travel to neighboring cells or distant tissues where it can then regulate the function of the target cells. The exact mechanism of how exRNA functions and what it can do is not fully understood, and the two projects involving Einstein researchers will focus on these aspects of exRNA. Drs. Chaim Putterman, Zev Williams, and Beatrice Goilav, are co-PIs of these projects, along with the grant’s lead investigator Dr. Thomas Tuschl of The Rockefeller University. exRNA is thought to play a role in a number of different diseases, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, and could be used to detect the presence or severity of such conditions. It also may serve as a target for future therapeutic strategies. More specifically, Drs. Putterman, Williams, and Goilav will develop and optimize methods for detecting exRNA and for establishing clinical baselines of the molecule in various populations so that abnormalities can be detected and studied in patients. Dr. Putterman is professor of medicine and of microbiology & immunology; he is also chief of rheumatology in the department of medicine. Dr. Williams is assistant professor of genetics and of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health. Dr. Goilav is assistant professor of pediatrics.
Posted on: Wednesday, October 02, 2013