Reference:
Fischer, S., Gerriets, T., Wessels, C., Walberer, M., Kostin, S., Stolz, E., Zheleva, K., Hocke, A., Hippenstiel, S., & Preissner, K. T. (2007). Extracellular RNA mediates endothelial-cell permeability via vascular endothelial growth factor. Blood, 110(7), 2457-2465.
Summary:
The study investigates the role of extracellular RNA in enhancing endothelial cell permeability, specifically focusing on brain microvascular endothelial cells. It was found that both natural and artificial RNA significantly increased permeability, in contrast to DNA. This hyperpermeability correlated with the disintegration of tight junctions and was mediated through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Antisense oligonucleotides against VEGF receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) completely inhibited this permeability effect. The authors also demonstrated that RNase treatment in rat models of venous thrombosis and stroke significantly reduced vessel occlusion and brain edema, suggesting that extracellular RNA functions as a novel permeability factor influencing VEGF activity. The findings indicate that RNase could be a potential therapeutic agent for protecting vascular integrity in pathological conditions.