sRNAs_from_Neisseria_extracellular_vesicles

Similar to bacterial proteins that are targeted to distinct macrophages organelles via extracellular vesicles, we propose that these vesicles also traffic small RNAs to modulate specific host factors. To test this, we aim to sequence extracellular vesicle derived sRNA, and whole bacterial small RNAs to determine selectivity, and to identify their bacterial and mammalian targets (Experimental Plan in Table-1). For this we will collect highly purified vesicles from N. gonorrhoeae (strain MS11A). We will also treat mouse derived primary macrophages with extracellular vesicles and compare their RNA response to untreated macrophages (Table-2). This will provide novel insights into how macrophages respond to N. gonorrhoeae infections.