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Recent proteome-wide studies have uncovered hundreds of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that lack conventional RNA-binding domains. These RBPs instead use intrinsically disordered regions, protein–protein interaction interfaces and enzymatic cores to bind RNA. Interestingly, some RBPs are regulated by RNA rather than regulate RNA.
Cells produce a wide variety of extracellular vesicles (subdivided into exosomes and microvesicles), which carry a multitude of cargoes, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. These vesicles have emerged as important means of cell–cell communication in physiology and disease, and their use in the clinic is now being explored.
