Cell surface RNAs control neutrophil recruitment. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38262409/)

These scientists wanted to understand more about a special type of molecule called RNA that is found on the outer surface of cells in our bodies. They discovered that some of these RNAs have a special sugar modification called glycan, and they called them glycoRNAs. However, they didn't know much about what these cell surface RNAs do or how they are made.

So, they did some experiments using a type of white blood cell called neutrophils. These cells are very important for our immune system and help us fight off infections. The scientists found that the cell surface RNAs are crucial for neutrophils to go to the places in our body where there is inflammation, which is when something is swollen, red, or painful.

They also discovered that a special protein called the sid-1 RNA transporter is needed for the production of glycoRNAs. Without this protein, the neutrophils couldn't make enough of these special RNAs.

When the scientists removed the cell surface RNAs from the neutrophils, they noticed that the neutrophils didn't work as well. They couldn't stick to the walls of blood vessels and move through them properly. This is important because the neutrophils need to do this to reach the sites of inflammation and fight off infections.

The scientists also found out that the glycoRNAs are mostly found on the outer surface of the neutrophils and they can interact with a protein called P-selectin. This interaction helps the neutrophils stick to the walls of blood vessels.

To further confirm their findings, the scientists used a method called knockdown to reduce the levels of the sid-1 RNA transporter in the neutrophils. This had the same effect as removing the cell surface RNAs, and the neutrophils didn't work properly anymore.

So, the scientists discovered that these cell surface glycoRNAs are very important for the neutrophils to do their job and fight off infections. This research shows us a new and interesting way that RNA molecules can help our cells work properly.

Zhang N., Tang W., Torres L., Wang X., Ajaj Y., Zhu L., Luan Y., Zhou H., Wang Y., Zhang D., Kurbatov V., Khan SA., Kumar P., Hidalgo A., Wu D., Lu J. Cell surface RNAs control neutrophil recruitment. Cell. 2024 Jan 17:S0092-8674(23)01443-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.033.