Intercellular mRNA transfer and the tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment affects the survival, development, and progression of cancer. Particularly, it is thought that the transfer of full length mRNA molecules between cancer and normal cells might profoundly affect the local microenvironment. We recently discovered a phenomenon by which full-length mRNAs can be transferred between cells. In this project we will explore this process in relation to the tumor microenvironment and cell physiology by determining the biological consequences of the transfer of oncogenic or tumor suppressive mRNAs on the phenotype of downstream acceptor cells and determine whether mRNA transfer occurs in vivo employing human tumor xenografts. Lastly, we will use biochemical/genetic approaches to screen for genes involved in mRNA transfer.