Fig. 1: seRNA functional mechanism.
From: Selectively expressed RNA molecules as a versatile tool for functionalized cell targeting
Dependent on specific sense-antisense interactions, seRNA molecules induce translational activity. Upon transfer of seRNAs into non-target cells missing target mRNAs (e.g., human keratin 13, as established diagnostic marker for cancer) (left), seRNAs remain non-functional due to structural misfolding and cap-induced ribosomal silencing by uORFs (green and red arrows). In contrast, target cells (e.g., cancer cells) induce partial seRNA degradation due to sense-antisense interaction (right). Intrinsic block of degradation induces functional refolding of seRNA to allow IRES-dependent efficient translation of effector sequences in target cells only. UTR = untranslated region, AS = antisense sequence, IB = IRES blocker, RI = RNase inhibitor. Small and large ribosomal subunits are indicated as SRS and LRS.
