Understanding the RNA Species in the Extracellular Vesicles of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of terminally differentiated plasma cells (PC), which at diagnosis is usually present throughout the bone marrow and frequently, with disease progression, spreads to extramedullary locations. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-membranous particles (30 – 2000 nm) released by most cells and function in cell-cell communications. Two major EV subtypes have been reported – shed microvesicles (sMVs) range in size from 400 – 1500 nm and exosomes range in size from 50 – 150 nm. During EV biogenesis, cellular bioactive cargo molecules such as protein, lipid, DNA, and RNA are selectively packaged into the EVs. Since Valadi showed that exosomes transfer mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) to recipient cells, EV-associated RNA molecules have attracted much attention because of their multiple roles in cellular activities and their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancers. In MM, EV RNAs (e.g., miRNAs, mRNAs and circular RNAs) may not only impact on the pathogenesis of the disease but could have significance as novel disease biomarkers.

The aim of this Research Topic is to provide the readers with a comprehensive overview of the identification, characterization, and function of EV RNA species in MM. A greater understanding of the biology of EV RNA in MM providing the potential for both our improved understanding of the disease and a platform for novel therapeutic strategies.

We welcome the submissions of Review, Mini-Review, Methods, Protocols, Perspective and Original Research articles that cover, but not limited, to the following topics:

- Identification of RNA species in the EVs of MM cells and MM patients
- Novel methods and concepts for characterizing EV RNAs in MM
- Role of EV RNAs in signaling pathways of MM
- Detection of hotspot mutations in EV RNA for MM
- EV RNAs as a target for liquid biopsy in MM
- Therapeutic potential of EV RNA characterization in MM
- Future perspectives

Keywords: Extracellular vesicles, RNA, exosomes, microvesicles, multiple myeloma, liquid biopsy, tumor microenvironment

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