Small RNAs May Be Transported Through the Meridians

Author(s): Yun Zhang, Yuan Zheng

The discovery of small RNAs has transformed life sciences by supporting the "RNA world" theory and highlighting their role in diseases like cancers and viral infections. Some small RNAs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs show stability and therapeutic effects, such as tumor suppression and antiviral activity. TCM's meridians, believed to regulate body fluids and energy, might transport small RNAs, suggesting a mechanism for their therapeutic effects. Historically linked to antiviral properties, meridians could facilitate small RNA movement, possibly through pore proteins on cell membranes, explaining their elusive presence in anatomical studies. This hypothesis may shed light on meridians' role in disease resistance and organ connectivity, offering new insights into TCM and small RNA functions, with significant implications for medical science.