Glycosylated RNA in Exosome Extracellular Vesicles

Overview of experimental approach used to demonstrate exosome-mediated intercellular transfer of glycoRNAs

Invention Summary:

Exosomes play a significant role in diverse cellular functions and responses. These structures are believed to furnish cells with a signaling mechanism facilitated by the cargo enclosed within the exosome. This cargo encompasses a range of constituents such as DNA, RNA, lipids, metabolites, and cellular proteins.

Rutgers inventors have identified that the RNA components within exosomes are modified in a process involving glycosylation—a novel form of RNA modification. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most prominent nano-delivery vehicles in clinical practice for delivery of cancer drugs, antibiotics, and nucleic acid therapeutics. Yet, the idea that glycosylation of an RNA can direct the delivery of that RNA into an exosome for export is a novel premise and represents a significant advancement with applications for RNA delivery in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Market Applications:

• Efficient delivery of therapeutic RNAs for treating cancer, chronic inflammation, auto-immune disease, and other diseases.
• Targeted delivery of therapeutic exosomes with payloads including inhibitory RNA (i.e., siRNA, ASO, shRNA, or ribozymes) designed to suppress disease-related protein expression.
• Development of exosome-based biomarker panel from patient cells, featuring uniquely modified glycoRNA signatures that signal disease or metabolic dysfunction.

Advantages:

• Enhancing precision of exosome loading to elevate therapeutic effectiveness.
• Increasing integration of in vitro transcribed RNA into exosomes, thereby increasing their clinical applicability for efficient delivery.

Publications: •    Preprint available online (link)

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu