Characterizing exosomal miRNAs from a Diabrotica cell line

Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles produced from cellular multi-vesicular bodies that are currently an important area of biomedical research.  Exosomes are involved in intracellular communication for various physiological functions, including development and immunity.  Depending on the tissue of origin, they carry specific protein and nucleic acid cargoes that can have profound effects on gene expression patterns and physiology of target cells.  Most research to date has focused on the roles of exosomes in mammalian systems and their potential use as diagnostic markers or even delivery vehicles for therapeutic purposes.  In contrast, very little is known about insect exosomes.  In an effort to enhance our understanding of insect exosomes, we have analyzed RNA components in exosomes isolated from a cultured cell line from Diabrotica undecimpunctata (SCR).  Initial analysis revealed that SCR exosomes contain numerous small RNAs (ranging in size from 17 to 29 nucleotides in length) including a variety of microRNAs.