# exRNA in colorectal carcinoma: biogenesis and function

> **NIH NIH P01** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $1,782,485

## Abstract

Summary – Overall Component
Cellular communication between diverse cells is now recognized to heavily influence both cancer initiation and
progression. Recently, several new forms of intercellular communication have been recognized, including
exchange of proteins and RNAs via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and other carriers. Extracellular RNA (ExRNA)
is particularly interesting, as it has the potential to influence gene expression and potentially epigenetic states.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in particular have been shown to be transferred from one cell type to another to
influence gene expression; however, it is clear that many kinds of exRNAs are selectively secreted from cells.
What is less clear is how those exRNAs (including miRNAs) are packaged into EVs and other carriers. In
addition, the overall impact of these exRNAs on cells and tissues is not yet understood. In this program, we
propose to elucidate the “rules of the game” for extracellular RNA communication, using colorectal carcinoma
(CRC) as a model system. Our Program will be highly synergistic, because each Project focuses on a different
aspect of this problem. Thus, Project 1 will determine how subcellular contacts between organelles drive RNA
and RNA-binding protein (RBP) transfer to EVs in CRC. Project 2 will identify RNA modifications and
sequences that drive molecular selection of RNAs for transfer into EVs in CRC. Project 3 will identify how EVs
and exomeres mediate EGFR-Wnt crosstalk in CRC. All Projects use common experimental systems, including
CRC isogenic cell models, and have common biological focus (e.g. how miR-100 and miR-125b are trafficked
and influence recipient cell function in CRC). Integration, synergy, and progress of the Projects will be highly
enhanced by the proposed Administrative and Shared Resource Cores. Together this Program will make a
major impact in the areas of CRC, tumor microenvironment, exRNA, EVs, and RNA biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10087487
- **Project number:** 5P01CA229123-02
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Alissa M Weaver
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,782,485
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-01-22 → 2024-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10087487

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10087487, exRNA in colorectal carcinoma: biogenesis and function (5P01CA229123-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10087487. Licensed CC0.

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