| Proper normalizers for exogenous RNA experiments |
Endogenous miRNAs that change with the Circadian day, exercise, feeding, or drugs might be inappropriate. Synthetic spike-in(s)? |
| Development of tissue sensors |
Extremely sensitive tissue sensors (as available in C. elegans [11]) could identify effects of low-level RNA transfer. |
| Understanding of uptake mechanisms |
Additional work on SIDT1, scavenger receptors, and other transmembrane proteins; further exploration of extracellular vesicles and viruses. |
| Identification of conditions, treatments that facilitate RNA transfer |
Examine samples from humans with gut permeability conditions: microbial and small RNA transfer? Are there dietary or medicinal substances with unappreciated effects on permeability? |
| Appreciation of human/model differences |
Mice and humans: humans utilize a greater proportion of calcium absorbed in the upper small intestine [125]. Might there also be differences in nucleic acid uptake? Use of humanized mouse models [126]. |
