Fig. 2

RNA incorporation into EVs. Various RBPs and membrane-associated proteins are required for the different steps of EV-RNA sorting. First, intracellular RNAs can interact with RBPs or motif-specific RBPs, which may prevent RNAs from degradation. Second, RNA-loaded RBPs undergoing post-translational modification can be recruited to the sites of EV budding via binding to membrane-associated proteins; otherwise, RNAs and RNA-loaded RBPs are incorporated passively into EVs. Third, upon reaching the budding membrane, the RBPs can be co-sorted with loaded RNAs into EVs or unload RNAs into EVs. In addition, 3′ end RNA tailing, such as adenylation and uridylation, controls RNA distribution between cells and EVs. MVE (multivesicular endosome), EV (extracellular vesicle), RBP (RNA binding protein).