Jessica Abner
Department: Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: James Patton, Ph.D.
Dissertation Description: MicroRNA Sorting into Exosomes
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that target more than 60 percent of protein-coding genes. Mature miRNAs can bind to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibit their expression. Experiments have recently identified miRNAs outside the cell in extracellular vesicles like exosomes. Exosomes are small vesicles secreted by all cells. Studies have shown that exosomes can export material outside of cells to recipient cells, as well as play a role in intercellular communication. Recently, it has been suggested that protein cargo transfer by exosomes is associated with tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. Our lab, along with others, have previously shown that certain miRNAs get sorted to exosomes. My research will focus on why certain miRNAs get sorted to exosomes and others do not, whether their export is specific and actively regulated, and what proteins or other factors may play a role in this process.