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Red Blood Cells: Dynamic Regulators, Disease Indicators and Therapeutic Targets

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 4939

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MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, Tel Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, Qiryat Shemona, Israel
Interests: RBC in metabolic diseases and hemoglobinopathies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Red blood cells (RBCs) are remarkable, multifaceted cells, vital not only for oxygen delivery but also for complex physiological regulations. Their unique membrane, cytoskeleton, and hemoglobin interactions drive this diverse role. Modern research reveals RBCs as dynamic cellular sensors and effectors, participating in microvascular regulation and immune responses.

Advanced experimental techniques are now unraveling the intricate details of their rheological properties, like deformability—essential for capillary navigation—and aggregation, which impacts blood viscosity and flow. Emerging studies explore how membrane proteins modulate these traits and how their dysregulation links to pathologies like diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and infectious diseases, opening new therapeutic avenues.

RBC research is a top priority for us. We are launching a special topic on novel studies concerning RBC biochemical, hemodynamic, and biophysical properties in health and disease. We invite researchers to submit reviews or original papers, especially new findings on RBC interactions with external factors and their health implications from experimental, clinical, or numerical perspectives.

Dr. Leonid Livshits
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • red blood cell (RBC)
  • RBC biochemical
  • hemodynamic
  • biophysical properties

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

16 pages, 3591 KB  
Review
Residual Genetic Material in Mature Red Blood Cells
by Georgios Dryllis, Sotirios P. Fortis, Aspasia Kouroupaki, Ioannis Tsamesidis, Vassilios Birtsas, Andreas G. Tsantes, Serena Valsami, Konstantinos Konstantopoulos, Effie G. Papageorgiou, Ilias Pessach and Anastasios G. Kriebardis
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110774 - 5 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4501
Abstract
Mature erythrocytes are traditionally regarded as anucleate cells lacking nuclear DNA. However, evidence shows they retain residual genetic material, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and RNA fragments. This review explores the role of such genetic material in cellular function, diagnostics, and erythropoiesis. A comprehensive [...] Read more.
Mature erythrocytes are traditionally regarded as anucleate cells lacking nuclear DNA. However, evidence shows they retain residual genetic material, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and RNA fragments. This review explores the role of such genetic material in cellular function, diagnostics, and erythropoiesis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on (i) erythropoiesis, (ii) enucleation of erythroid precursors, (iii) the presence of DNA in red blood cells (RBCs), and (iv) RNA fragments such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and other non-coding RNAs. Mature RBCs harbor small amounts of DNA and diverse RNA species. Residual DNA can act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), triggering immune responses when released under stress or injury. RNA fragments reflect the transcriptional activity of precursor cells and have been linked to potential diagnostic applications. Studies suggest that RBC-derived RNA signatures may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and hematological disorders. These profiles mirror changes in erythropoiesis and provide insights into systemic pathophysiology. Residual genetic material in RBCs extends their role beyond oxygen transport. It contributes to immune modulation and may provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities, enhancing disease detection and understanding of erythropoiesis. Full article
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