Inter-individual variability
Definition
Differences in RNA degradation rate between different donors' blood, arising from variation in RNase activity, blood cell composition, and haematological status. One of the primary barriers to building a universal RNA ageing model.
Related terms
- Degradation index
- A ratio or combination of RNA abundance measurements designed to capture the state of degradation of a sample. Often calculated as the...
- microRNA (miRNA)
- Small non-coding RNA molecules of approximately 18-24 nucleotides that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Abundant in blood cells, relatively resistant to degradation compared...
- mRNA (messenger RNA)
- Transcripts encoding proteins, synthesised in the nucleus from DNA templates and translated by ribosomes. mRNA molecules vary greatly in length (hundreds to...
- RNase
- Ribonuclease enzymes that cleave RNA phosphodiester bonds. Present in blood plasma (RNase A family) and released from cells on death. The activity...
- RT-qPCR
- Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR: a two-step assay in which RNA is first converted to complementary DNA (cDNA) by reverse transcriptase, then amplified and...
Explained in
- mRNA and microRNA Approaches to Stain AgeDifferences in RNA degradation rate between different donors' blood, arising from variation in RNase activity, blood cell composition, and haematological statu...