The diversity of RNAs inside living cells is amazing. We have known of the more “classic” RNA species: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, snRNA and snoRNA for some time now, but in a steady stream new types of molecules are being described as it is becoming clear that most of the genomic information of cells ends up in RNA. To deal with the enormous load of resulting RNA processing and degradation reactions, cells need adequate and efficient molecular machines. The RNA exosome is arising as a major facilitator to this effect. Structural and functional data gathered over the last decade have illustrated the biochemical importance of this multimeric complex and its many co-factors, revealing its enormous regulatory power. By gathering some of the most prominent researchers in the exosome field, it is the aim of this volume to introduce this fascinating protein complex as well as to give a timely and rich account of its many functions. The exosome was discovered more than a decade ago by Phil Mitchell and David Tollervey by its ability to trim the 3’end of yeast, S. cerevisiae, 5. 8S rRNA. In a historic account they laid out the events surrounding this identification and the subsequent birth of the research field. In the chapter by Kurt Januszyk and Christopher Lima the structural organization of eukaryotic exosomes and their evolutionary counterparts in bacteria and archaea are discussed in large part through presentation of structures.

This volume provides a cross-section of RNA exosome research protocols, applied to a diversity of model organisms. Chapters guide readers through methods that e.g. delineate eukaryotic exosomes’ origins in prokaryotes, probe its RNA substrates, adapter complexes and macromolecular interaction of networks, and establish critical structural-function relationships. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, The Eukaryotic RNA Exosome: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

Exosomes: A Clinical Compendium is a comprehensive and authoritative account of exosomes in the context of biomarkers, diagnostics, and therapeutics across a wide spectrum of medical disciplines, as well as their role in cell-cell communication. It is intended to serve as a reference source for clinicians, physicians, and research scientists who wish to gain insight into the most recent advances in this rapidly growing field. The exosome revolution may well be the greatest advance in physiology and medicine since antibiotics. The discovery of their epigenetic role in intercellular signaling in virtually all tissues is a major breakthrough in our understanding of how cells function. Provides readers with a broad and timely overview of exosomes in health and disease, closing with a thought-provoking chapter on transgenerational inheritance, Darwin and Lamarck. Summarizes the most recent laboratory and clinical findings on exosomes across numerous medical disciplines, thereby offering readers a broad-ranging and solid foundation for prospective investigative efforts Twenty-one chapters authored by a global team of peer-acknowledged experts, each representing a key medical disciplineProvides readers with a broad and timely overview of exosomes in health and disease, closing

Exosomal RNA: Role in Human Diseases and Therapy provides an in-depth study of exosomes and their RNA in the context of a variety of diseases. The book explores the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of exosomal RNA as biomarkers across a range of different conditions, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and renal disease, as well as bacterial infections and tissue repair. The link between exosomal RNA expression and neurodegenerative disease is also explored. The book goes on to share the significance of exosomal RNA in preserving cellular function, with special attention given to their role in the autophagy process. This book gives an overview of the isolation, characterization, and potential applications of exosomal RNA, providing researchers with an understanding of how they can be manipulated and utilized for the treatment of various diseases and conditions. This is an ideal reference for researchers in the field of molecular biology, cell biology, and related fields, as well as those involved in the development of therapeutics and personalized medicine. Provides an introduction into exosomal RNA and their potential as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for various conditions Considers exosomal RNA in a variety of human disorders, including metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer Discusses the role of exosomal RNA in preserving the cellular environment and its role in the autophagy process

The RNA exosome is a multi-subunit protein complex involved in RNA maturation, surveillance, and turnover of cellular RNA. It is composed of a nine subunit core that contains an RNA binding central channel and associates with the additional subunit Rrp44. Rrp44 contains a 3' to 5' processive exoribonuclease activity and an endoribonuclease activity in its N-terminal PIN domain. The exosome is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the nucleus, the exosome associates with a second nuclease, Rrp6, which is a distributive 3' to 5' exoribonuclease. Although a wealth of studies have helped to characterize the exosome, it is still not entirely clear how the exosome core functions in concert with these two nucleases to degrade RNA. In this dissertation, I present structural and biochemical studies of both the Rrp44 and Rrp6 bound exosome. In particular, I have attempted to crystallize a sub-complex of Rrp44 bound to the exosome, and present data that suggest that structured RNA can access Rrp44 without being first channeled through the exosome. Despite this conclusion, the exosome core still appears to down-regulate both the exonuclease and endonuclease activities of Rrp44, possibly by causing the protein to assume a conformation that prohibits it from promiscuous RNA degradation. Work on the Rrp6 containing exosme was conducted in attempts of obtaining an EM reconstruction of this complex. Crystallization of an RNA and Rrp6 binding exosome associated iii protein, Rrp47, was also attempted alone and in complex with Rrp6. Overall, the results that I present here will help to further characterize the function of the exosome in RNA mediated degradation. iv.

The book provides an overview on the different aspects of gene regulation from an mRNA centric viewpoint, including how mRNA is assembled and self-assembles in a complex consisting of RNA and proteins, and how its ability to be translated at the right time and space depends on many processes acting on the mRNAs, leading to a properly folded complex. This book shows how new technologies have led to a better understanding of these processes and their connected diseases.The book is written for scientists in fundamental and applied biomedical research working on different aspects of gene regulation. It is also targeted to an audience that is not implicated in these fields directly, but wants to gain a better understanding of mRNA biology.

This book focuses on the regulation of transcription and translation in Archaea and arising insights into the evolution of RNA processing pathways. From synthesis to degradation and the implications of gene expression, it presents the current state of knowledge on archaeal RNA biology in 13 chapters. Topics covered include the modification and maturation of RNAs, the function of small non-coding RNAs and the CRISPR-Cas defense system. While Archaea have long been considered exotic microbial extremophiles, they are now increasingly being recognized as important model microorganisms for the study of molecular mechanisms conserved across the three domains of life, and with regard to the relevance of similarities and differences to eukaryotes and bacteria. This unique book offers a valuable resource for all readers interested in the regulation of gene expression in Archaea and RNA metabolism in general.