Mapping Extracellular RNA Sheds Lights on Distinct Carriers

Abstract

Circulating extracellular RNA can participate in cell-to-cell communication and can be used as a marker of disease. Currently, biological and technical variability prevents the field from reaching its full potential. In this issue of Cell and the April 24 issue of Cell Systems, three studies by the Extracellular RNA Communication Consortium (ERCC) (Murillo etal., 2019; Srinivasan etal., 2019; Rozowsky etal., 2019) address several aspects contributing to this variability and provide knowledge and platforms for empowering future studies.