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Discovery, Genomic Analysis, and Functional Role of the Erythrocyte RNAs

  • RNA in Pathobiology (AW Duncan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pathobiology Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Human erythrocytes are responsible for oxygen delivery in the body. Erythrocytes are a product of terminal differentiated erythroid cells that accumulate hemoglobin and exclude nuclei. The long-held conventional wisdom has been that mature erythrocytes lack any genetic materials. Contrary to this view, accumulating evidence from multiple groups indicates that erythrocytes contain abundant and diverse RNA species. These newly discovered genetic materials suddenly open up opportunities to re-examine many diseases affecting erythrocytes.

Recent Findings

The genomic analysis and functional studies of the erythrocyte transcriptome have revealed important insights into various erythrocyte diseases, stored erythrocytes for transfusion, host-pathogens interactions with malaria parasites, and intercellular communications. We reviewed these findings and provide conceptual frameworks for the future works on other potential applications of the erythrocyte transcriptome.

Summary

Collectively, these studies provide a strong case for the translational potential and functional relevance of these erythrocyte transcripts.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Duke Chancellor’s pilot project fund and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. P.H.C. was supported by the Hung-Taiwan Duke Fellowship and the graduate program of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Science Drive, DUMC 3382, CIEMAS 2177A, Durham, NC, 27708, USA

    Po-Han Chen, Jonathan Hong & Jen-Tsan Chi

  2. Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA

    Po-Han Chen, Jonathan Hong & Jen-Tsan Chi

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  1. Po-Han Chen
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Correspondence to Jen-Tsan Chi.

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Po-Han Chen, Jonathan Hong and Jen-Tsan Chi declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on RNA in Pathobiology

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Chen, PH., Hong, J. & Chi, JT. Discovery, Genomic Analysis, and Functional Role of the Erythrocyte RNAs. Curr Pathobiol Rep 5, 43–48 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40139-017-0124-z

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