Compositions and methods for the Delivery of Biologically Active RNAs

A method for secreting a biologically active RNA from a cell, comprising:

• administering to a cell an expression vector comprising
• a first polynucleotide that encodes a biologically active RNA sequence and a recognition RNA sequence, and
• a second polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide comprising an RNA binding domain that binds the recognition RNA sequence and a non-classical secretory domain sequence,
• expressing the first and second polynucleotides,
• secreting the biologically active RNA sequence through a non-classical secretory pathway.

A method for modulating a signaling pathway or the expression of a target gene of a target cell comprising:

• administering to a host cell a vector comprising
• a first polynucleotide that encodes a biologically active RNA sequence and a recognition RNA sequence, and
• a second polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide an RNA binding domain that binds the recognition RNA sequence, a non-classical secretory domain sequence, and a transport peptide sequence that facilitates delivery of the biologically active RNA sequence to neighboring cells and tissues,
• expressing the vector in the host cell,
• secreting the biologically active RNA from the host cell,
• delivering the biologically active RNA sequence to a neighboring cell, wherein the biologically active RNA modulates a signaling pathway or the expression of a target gene of the target cell.